Senior Machine Design Engineer

About the role

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

What You'll Do

We are seeking a Senior Machine Design Engineer to design, analyze, prototype, and validate complex machines, precision mechanisms, and electromechanical systems. This individual will apply first-principles engineering and practical machine-design experience to develop robust, manufacturable hardware for demanding aerospace environments. The role will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, test, suppliers, and program leadership to deliver flight-ready systems.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical architectures and concepts for complex machines, precision mechanisms, structures, and assemblies.
• Own hardware from initial requirements and trade studies through detailed design, prototyping, qualification, and production.
• Perform engineering calculations covering stress, fatigue, deflection, thermal expansion, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Select and integrate bearings, motors, gearboxes, ball screws, linear guides, springs, clutches, fasteners, and related components.
• Create production-ready SolidWorks models, detailed manufacturing drawings, interfaces, and GD&T specifications.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly principles while working with suppliers and manufacturing teams.
• Build and test prototypes, root-cause hardware failures, and implement corrective design actions.
• Support qualification and environmental testing, including vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum testing.

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional experience designing complex machines, mechanical systems, or precision mechanisms.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks and experience creating detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Strong knowledge of machine design, mechanical component selection, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Experience using hand calculations and FEA to guide and validate mechanical designs.
• Working knowledge of CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, additive manufacturing, and related production processes.
• Demonstrated experience taking hardware from concept through prototype, test, qualification, and production.
• Ability to maintain a U.S. Goverment security clearance.

What We'd Love

• Experience designing aerospace, spacecraft, defense, robotics, industrial automation, or other high-performance electromechanical systems.
• Experience with gear trains, linkages, cams, bearings, belt and chain drives, linear-motion systems, and direct-drive motors.
• Experience designing springs, dampers, or other energy-storage and motion-control mechanisms.
• Experience developing hardware for vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, and other demanding environments.
• Familiarity with MATLAB or Python for engineering calculations and analysis.
• Experience supporting flight hardware qualification, configuration control, and production.

Where You'll Be

• The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

What We Offer

• Equity-Based Compensation
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match
• Highly Competitive PTO
• Paid company holidays + winter break
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here