Mechanical Engineer

Interlune is a space resources company based in Seattle, WA. We will provide resources from space to power a clean and sustainable economy on Earth and in space.

We are looking for a Doer who wants to join our early-stage team and accelerate humanity's progress toward an off-world future. Our engineering team combines expert knowledge of geological sciences, mechanical engineering, automation, systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and advanced fabrication to build the infrastructure that will create an in-space economy. To join our small team, you must be agile, willing to learn, and able to take on multiple roles as needed.

Interlune is seeking an early-career mechanical engineer to design, prototype, and validate hardware destined for the lunar surface. The primary focus of this role involves developing mission-critical systems for excavation and dust mitigation that can withstand the unique challenges of the Moon. Our objective is to convert operational, mission, and environmental requirements into functional mechanical designs through a process of rapid fabrication, prototyping, testing, and continuous refinement.

Applicants from all industries are welcome, with particular emphasis in complex, multi-disciplinary system development. Familiarity with and prior experience in the space, agriculture, construction, or mining industry are valuable but not required.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the design, development, and fabrication of mechanical hardware, subsystems, and end effectors (e.g., sample collection mechanisms, dust mitigation hardware).
• Design, build, and instrument custom test fixtures to simulate the abrasive and electrostatically charged lunar environment.
• Plan and oversee the execution of rigorous environmental test campaigns, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and dusty-environment mechanism testing, utilizing lunar regolith simulants.
• Translate environmental surface models to develop robust, testable hardware that survives the harsh conditions of the lunar surface.
• Iterate rapidly on mechanical designs based on failure analysis and test outcomes, continuously optimizing for mass, reliability, and dust resistance.
• Work seamlessly with electrical, systems, and planetary science teams to ensure physical prototypes meet all cross-disciplinary mission requirements.

Required Qualifications: 

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of mechanical engineering experience with a heavy emphasis on hardware design and hands-on prototyping, fabrication, and hardware testing.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX) and producing detailed manufacturing drawings (GD&T).
• Significant hands-on shop experience, including conventional machining, 3D printing/rapid prototyping, and mechanical assembly.
• Experience incorporating analysis, requirements, and system constraints into practical hardware designs.
• Experience using rapid prototyping to quickly advance through the concept evaluation and development phase.
• Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

Desired Qualifications: 

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical subject area.
• Prior experience designing and testing flight hardware for space environments.
• Familiarity with the physical properties of lunar regolith and experience handling or testing with planetary simulants.
• Experience designing and building test setups, support hardware, or custom fixtures for development or environmental testing.
• Proven track record of independently designing test setups, executing structural/environmental tests, and performing root cause failure analysis.
• Experience integrating sensors and data acquisition systems (DAQ) for mechanical testing.

Export Control Regulations

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants for employment at Interlune must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Interlune is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on creating our off-world future. Interlune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Don't meet every requirement? If you're excited about this role but you don't meet all of the job requirements, we encourage you to apply and explain why the experiences you do have are a suitable substitute. We'd hate to miss out on the perfect candidate for this or other roles. 

Compensation range for on site WA state employees is:

Target Levels:

Level 2 Range: $110,000 - $150,000

Level 3 Range: $125,000 - $195,000

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

Benefits:

Benefits include:  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short and long-term disability, and other benefits

Paid Time Off:  Flexible PTO policy with paid company holidays.