Director of Mechanical Engineering

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to delivering Space Solar Energy to the world. We operate at the intersection of space infrastructure and energy abundance, providing continuous baseload power 24/7 - without seasonality or the need for batteries. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.

The Role

This position leads the design, development, and testing of spacecraft mechanical systems from concept through integration and launch. The role blends hands-on engineering with technical leadership, driving the creation and implementation of structural assemblies, mechanisms, and deployment systems. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in spacecraft mechanical design, thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, and takes ownership from initial concept through full system integration. You will collaborate closely with systems, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet mission requirements, reliability standards, and production readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and guide a top-tier mechanical and design engineering team, fostering a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement.

• Cultivate strong cross-functional partnerships, spanning production and manufacturing engineering, to drive alignment and remove organizational barriers.

• Set the technical direction for complex mechanical hardware development across multiple projects and product lines.

• Steer design reviews alongside cross-functional stakeholders, making key trade-off decisions that balance performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability.

• Own the full design lifecycle from early concept through integration and verification, maintaining technical rigor at each milestone.

• Lead hands-on diagnostic efforts in the lab, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions with a bias toward speed.

• Support forecasting of product and program pipelines to inform engineering capacity and resource planning.

• Provide strategic input on technology licensing opportunities and acquisitions that expand the organization's product and systems portfolio.

• Drive production velocity by proactively identifying constraints, resolving issues at pace, and embedding lasting corrective actions.

• Partner with external fabrication shops and suppliers to translate designs into finished hardware on compressed timelines.

• Coordinate with production and operations teams to ensure readiness and adequate planning for program milestones.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience in a mechanical engineering role

• Minimum of 9 years of experience in mechanical design, analysis, and testing

• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software (such as NX or SolidWorks) and FEA (finite element analysis) tools

• Solid understanding of GD&T, design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles, and mechanical design best practices

• Strong understanding of dynamic mechanical system design, analysis, and failure modes

• Experience with rapid prototyping and hands-on mechanical assembly

• Familiarity with harness layout and design

• Proven ability to own and deliver complex mechanical systems from concept through final implementation

• Effective problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly iterate and incorporate feedback from cross-functional teams

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with experience mentoring and collaborating across engineering disciplines

• U.S. citizenship required

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with insourced satellite deployment mechanisms and related integration or testing activities

• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced spacecraft design and manufacturing environment

• Hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, including CNC machining, 3D printing, and other precision fabrication processes

• Experience defining and documenting procedures for satellite environmental testing, as well as processing and interpreting test data

• Demonstrated application of GD&T principles to spacecraft designs to ensure precise manufacturing and inspection

Benefits

We take care of our people. In addition to competitive salary and equity, Overview Energy offers comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 4 weeks paid time off, 2 weeks sick leave, parental leave, and 401(k) matching. Benefits are subject to change at the Company's discretion.

ITAR Requirements

This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [email protected].

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often only apply for roles where they meet every listed qualification. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply - even if you don't check every box.