Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy.

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will provide guidance for design and prototype builds for the Space Kinetic core technology to achieve our mission of a flight demo within the next 2 years in a fast-paced startup environment. Design and develop system and subsystem assemblies, mechanisms and moving assemblies including linkages, gears, cams, actuators, and precision motion systems. Perform mechanism design, tolerance analysis, and kinematic studies to ensure reliable operation.

Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using tools such as Solid Works, Creo, CATIA or NX. Support the mechanical simulations and FEA teams creating step files, simplified reps and volumes to assist with the modeling to validate strength, fatigue, and functional performance. Design and develop prototype assemblies and test mechanisms to validate functionality and operational stability. Work with and support cross-functional teams including simulation, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering.

Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) initiatives to drive down cost and schedule. Prepare technical documentation, test plans, and support design reviews.

• Design and develop space-rated mechanisms
  , including:
• Release and separation systems
• Motorized actuators and gear trains
• Payload pointing mechanisms
• Precision robotic or kinematic mechanisms
• Mechanism torque and friction calculations
• Select appropriate space-qualified materials, lubricants, bearings, and coatings
  .
• Support finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanism performance simulations.

• Support development of hardware design and build as well as prototype testing.
• Investigate functional test anomalies and implement corrective design changes.
• Lead mechanical support for environmental testing
  , including:
• Thermal Vacuum (TVAC)
• Random vibration
• Shock testing
• Deployment testing

• Work closely with manufacturing and producibility teams to ensure designs are producible and testable
  .
• Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT) of spacecraft hardware.
• Provide hands-on support during payload integration and spacecraft assembly
  .

• Follow design and hardware I&T processes.
• Generate and maintain engineering documentation
  , including:
• Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
• Assembly procedures
• Test plans and reports
• SRR (System Requirements Review)
• PDR (Preliminary Design Review)
• CDR (Critical Design Review)
• TRR (Test Readiness Review)

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience with focus on mechanisms.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Kinematics and dynamics of mechanisms
  • Gear systems, cams, linkages, springs
  • Bearings and power transmission components
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software (Solid Works, Creo, CATIA, or NX).
• Experience with GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Familiarity with prototype development and testing
• Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail-oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow-through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication.
• Ability to build and maintain a network of talented individuals. Prioritizes organizational and planning skills.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent…