YOUR MISSION
As a Mechanical Engineer (II-III) at True Anomaly, you will be at the forefront of designing and developing the next generation of spacecraft that define the future of space security and sustainability. From LEO/GEO satellites to small sat platforms and on-orbit servicing vehicles, you will own the mechanical design of flight systems that operate in some of the most demanding environments known to engineering. This is a rare opportunity to shape vehicle architecture from the ground up - translating mission requirements into flight-ready hardware that safeguards access to space for the U.S. and its allies.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical structures, mechanisms, and assemblies for LEO/GEO satellites, small sat platforms, and on-orbit servicing vehicles, ensuring designs meet performance, mass, and reliability requirements.
- Assist in the development of spacecraft structural systems from concept and trade studies through prototyping and flight hardware delivery, under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Support the design of primary and secondary structures for launch load environments, including sine burst, random vibration, and shock, in compliance with launch vehicle ICD requirements.
- Contribute to the design of spacecraft mechanisms and deployment systems, including hinges, hold-down and release mechanisms, and other moving assemblies intended for on-orbit operation.
- Assist in the packaging and integration of electronics assemblies and avionics hardware within the spacecraft structure, with consideration for thermal interfaces, harness routing, and accessibility during integration and test.
- Support propulsion system mechanical integration efforts, including structural mounting, thruster bracket design, and propellant line routing.
- Develop and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and drawings for spacecraft components, subsystems, and assemblies using NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
- Create accurate piece part and assembly drawings with proper application of GD&T standards.
- Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) by preparing technical documentation, design rationales, and interface control documents.
- Assist in the development and execution of structural and mechanisms test plans to support hardware qualification and acceptance activities.
- Work within configuration management systems and PLM/MES tools to maintain design integrity and documentation traceability.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- 1-4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably within aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
- Exposure to or coursework in spacecraft or satellite systems, including structural design, mechanisms, or space environment considerations.
- Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling and drawing creation in NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
- Working knowledge of GD&T principles and their application to piece part and assembly drawings.
- Familiarity with structural and mechanical design principles, including load paths, joints, and materials selection relevant to launch and on-orbit environments.
- Exposure to mechanisms design, including hinges, deployment systems, actuators, or other moving assemblies.
- Familiarity with electronics packaging concepts, including thermal interface materials, harness routing, and avionics integration constraints.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience designing hardware for space or flight environments, including considerations for launch loads, thermal cycling, vacuum outgassing, and radiation.
- Familiarity with smallsat or CubeSat platforms, including COTS component integration and mass-constrained design.
- Exposure to on-orbit servicing concepts, proximity operations vehicles, or docking and capture mechanisms.
- Familiarity with structural analysis methods or FEA tools (e.g., NASTRAN, Ansys) and ability to interpret results in support of design decisions.
- Exposure to propulsion system mechanical integration, including thruster or tank mounting and propellant line routing.
- Familiarity with relevant spacecraft and aerospace standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5001, GEVS, AIAA S-110, MIL-SPEC).
- Exposure to full hardware lifecycle, from concept and design through fabrication, assembly, and test.
- Familiarity with configuration management and PLM tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill) and engineering change processes.
- Experience working in a startup or fast-paced environment with compressed development timelines.
- Active U.S. security clearance or ability and willingness to obtain one.
COMPENSATION
- Base Salary:
- Denver: $85,000 - $140,000
- Long Beach: $85,000m - $145,000
- Equity + Benefits including Health, Denta