Mechanisms Engineer

Role Overview

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a hands‑on Mechanisms Engineer to design, build, and scale deployable spacecraft hardware—from hinges and release mechanisms to actuators and gimballed assemblies—for high‑reliability phased‑array satellite systems. You will work from concept to flight: CAD, analysis, prototyping, troubleshooting, and scaling to high‑volume satellite production.

This is a highly cross‑functional role with direct impact on launch cadence, constellation growth, and mission reliability.

• Design, model, and analyze deployable mechanical hardware (hinges, releases, gimbals, actuators) using CATIA, Solid Works, and NASTRAN
  .
• Ensure full mechanical tolerance and quality control through GD&T, ESD safety practices, and cleanroom assembly standards.
• Perform detailed FEA
  , mechanism modeling, and materials validation for mission‑critical moving hardware.
• Rapidly prototype components using carbon fiber composites, machined metals, additive manufacturing, and advanced layups.
• Lead hardware test campaigns: vibration, thermal, TVAC, shock, and deployment reliability.
• Conduct formal root‑cause investigations using 8D, Fishbone/Ishikawa
  , and iterative troubleshooting to resolve flight and test failures.
• Transition hardware from one‑off prototypes to high‑rate production (target: 6 satellites/month).
• Own manufacturing documentation, including detailed drawings, BOMs, assembly procedures, and release packages.
• Coordinate closely with machine shops, composite vendors, and precision mechanism suppliers.
• Support integration operations including periodic travel to Cape Canaveral
  , vendor sites, and partner facilities.
• Work alongside structures, mechanisms, systems engineering, quality, and assurance teams on subsystem integration.
• Mentor junior engineers; drive continuous improvement for hardware reliability, manufacturability, and deployment performance.
• Influence strategic hardware decisions for constellation expansion and long‑term platform scaling.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with deployable spacecraft mechanisms or high‑precision mechanical systems.
• Strong proficiency with CATIA or Solid Works
  , plus FEA tools such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus
  , etc.
• Hands‑on test experience: vibration, thermal, TVAC, shock, or mechanism deployments.
• Knowledge of GD&T, ASME Y14.5, ESD/cleanroom best practices, and precision assembly.
• Experience with root‑cause methods (
  8D, RCA, FTA ) and hardware validation.

• Background in spacecraft, aerospace mechanisms, robotics, or high‑reliability electromechanical devices.
• Experience with carbon fiber layups, composites design, or high‑stiffness lightweight structures.
• Exposure to high‑volume manufacturing or New Space production environments.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑moving, ambiguity‑heavy engineering culture.

• Base Salary: $90,000
  , commensurate with experience and technical depth.
• Competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement options.
• Opportunities for relocation support

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