Mechanism Engineer

Mechanism Engineer

Overview Energy is turning uninterrupted sunlight in space into directable energy on Earth. From our homebase in Virginia we are building satellites that will deliver energy from orbit to the grid and make solar a reliable 24/7 resource.

Overview Energys Mechanism Engineer leads the design, development, qualification, and in‑orbit performance of spacecraft mechanisms supporting deployable and articulating structures including solar arrays, antennas, booms, and other moving subsystems. This role combines structural and mechanical design, tribology, dynamics, and hands‑on test and integration work to deliver reliable, lightweight and fault‑tolerant mechanisms for launch and space environments. The ideal candidate has experience with space‑rated mechanisms such as hinges, latches, holddown and release systems, actuators, and rotary drive assemblies, and can own mechanism concepts from requirements definition through flight support.

• Architect design and analyze spacecraft mechanisms (such as deployment hinges, holddown and release mechanisms, latching systems) from concept through detailed design.
• Develop kinematic and dynamic models of mechanisms to evaluate clearances, range of motion, loads, friction, backlash and deployment margins under launch and on‑orbit conditions.
• Generate detailed design specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and technical documentation for mechanism assemblies including structural hardware, bearings, lubricants, fasteners and actuators using CAD and industry‑standard analysis tools.
• Define, plan and execute qualification and acceptance test campaigns for mechanisms and subassemblies including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, life cycling, deployment and functional testing.
• Work with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure design‑for‑manufacturability, process control and traceability of space‑qualified mechanical components, lubricants and materials.
• Support spacecraft integration and test (I&T) including installation of mechanisms, deployment and functional checkouts, anomaly troubleshooting and test data review.
• Participate in failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), hazard analyses and reliability assessments for mechanisms and drive design improvements based on test and flight experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field with a focus on mechanical design or structures.
• 5 years of experience in spacecraft mechanisms, deployable space structures, precision electromechanical hardware or closely related flight mechanical systems.
• Strong proficiency with CAD and mechanical analysis tools (e.g., finite element analysis, kinematic/dynamic modeling) for mechanism and structural design.
• Demonstrated experience with environmental and qualification testing relevant to flight hardware (e.g., vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, life cycle deployment) including test planning, execution, support and data review.
• Understanding of materials and tribology for space mechanisms including selection of lubricants, coatings and bearings suitable for vacuum and thermal extremes.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to work with ITAR‑controlled technical data and hardware as required by program and regulatory constraints.

• Graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with emphasis on structures, mechanisms or space systems.
• Hands‑on experience with design and qualification of deployment mechanisms, rotary drive mechanisms or precision pointing mechanisms for spaceflight programs.
• Familiarity with space qualification and reliability standards (e.g., NASA ECSS, MIL standards) applicable to mechanical and structural hardware.
• Experience with non‑pyrotechnic release devices, stepper or brushless DC motor‑driven mechanisms and associated control electronics interfaces.
• Prior involvement in on‑orbit deployment or mechanism anomaly resolution on operational spacecraft.

The health and safety of our employees and their families comes first. In addition to a competitive salary and equity we offer medical, dental, vision, disability and life…