- Design and develop spacecraft mechanisms, including deployment systems, actuation mechanisms, gimbals, and other precision moving assemblies.
- Own mechanism designs end-to-end, from CAD and analysis through fabrication, integration, and testing.
- Perform detailed mechanical analysis, including stress, fatigue, kinematics, and dynamics, to validate mechanism performance.
- Conduct and support dynamics simulations and mechanism modeling.
- Plan, execute, and analyze mechanism tests; use test results to iterate and improve designs.
- Apply GD&T and tolerance analysis to ensure proper function and reliability of moving interfaces.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, interfaces, and verification plans.
- Support material selection and manufacturing process development for mechanism components.
- Document designs, analyses, test results, and lessons learned with full traceability to requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 5–10 years of experience designing mechanical systems and mechanisms for spacecraft or aerospace applications.
- Strong proficiency in CAD software (preferably NX).
- Demonstrated expertise in GD&T and precision mechanical design (required).
- Experience personally building, integrating, and testing mechanism hardware.
- Strong understanding of mechanical fundamentals, including dynamics and kinematics.
- Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA.
- Experience with spacecraft mechanisms such as solar array deployments, actuation systems, and gimbals.
- Hands-on experience with FEA and structural analysis of mechanisms.
- Experience performing dynamics simulations and mechanism modeling.
- Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for analysis, simulation, or test automation.
- Familiarity with aerospace materials and manufacturing processes for moving assemblies.
- Experience taking spacecraft mechanisms from concept through flight.
- 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
- Vision and FSA benefits available
- 3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
- 10 paid holidays
- Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
- Equity on the ground floor of a startup
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
- 5-10 years of experience designing mechanical systems and mechanisms for spacecraft or aerospace applications
- Strong proficiency in CAD software (preferably NX)
- Demonstrated expertise in GD&T and precision mechanical design
- Experience personally building, integrating, and testing mechanism hardware
- Strong understanding of mechanical fundamentals, including dynamics and kinematics
- Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA
What We Do
We mine asteroids to extract platinum group metals (PGMs) in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than the current terrestrial mining methods. PGMs are critical to advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, and sustainable infrastructure, but are rapidly depleting on Earth. Traditional mining for these resources comes at high environmental and financial costs. Extracting these resources from asteroids is more cost-effective and results in zero impact on our planet, contributing to a greener and more profitable Earth. By leveraging advanced technology and innovative engineering, we’re pioneering a pathway to sustainable mining that eliminates the need for extensive land disruption, reduces energy-intensive processes, and significantly lowers carbon emissions.
Why Work With Us
Team members at AstroForge not only contribute to groundbreaking technological advancements but are also empowered to grow personally and professionally. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds and encourage new ideas and experimentation. Here, you’re part of a historic mission to change how the world thinks about our shared future in space.
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