As a Mechanical Engineer, you will own the mechanical design of Array's SAR imaging payloads and satellite subsystems, from concept through flight. Spaceborne radar hardware has to survive launch loads, hold tight tolerances across integrated assemblies, and perform reliably in a thermal-vacuum environment, all while meeting tight mass and volume budgets. You will design structures and assemblies in SolidWorks, run structural analysis to verify launch load and stiffness requirements, and work hands-on through fabrication, integration, and test. You'll coordinate with vendors and machine shops to get flight-quality hardware built, and work closely with RF, electrical, and systems engineers to integrate the payload with the rest of the spacecraft.
As part of our quickly growing engineering team, you will play a critical role in building the world's most advanced radar satellite constellation, one that will significantly improve humanity's ability to rapidly and comprehensively understand our changing planet.
Responsibilities
Design mechanical structures and assemblies for SAR imaging payloads and satellite subsystems.
Create 3D models and detailed manufacturing drawings in SolidWorks.
Perform structural analysis to verify designs meet launch load and stiffness requirements.
Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure proper fit and function across integrated assemblies.
Support spacecraft environmental verification, including vibration, thermal-vacuum, and EMI/EMC testing, to meet SpaceX launch acceptance requirements.
Collaborate with RF, electrical, and systems engineers to integrate the SAR payload with bus subsystems.
Coordinate with vendors and machine shops on procurement, fabrication, and delivery of flight-quality components.
Develop and maintain design documentation, including drawings, design guides, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
Perform hands-on Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AI&T) of prototype and flight hardware.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
7+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis, preferably in aerospace or spacecraft systems.
Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and simulation.
Experience with structural FEA for launch load verification (quasi-static, random vibration, sine burst).
Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
Experience creating manufacturing drawings for machined and fabricated parts.
A versatile skill set and genuine interest in working across the full hardware lifecycle: design, fabrication, drafting, and inspection.
Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, iterative design environment.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Experience with spacecraft or payload environmental verification (vibration, thermal-vacuum testing).
Some proficiency with tools for thermal modeling and analysis.
Experience correlating structural or thermal models to test data, especially through scripting or automation (Python or similar).
Knowledge of spacecraft thermal control techniques (MLI, heaters, radiators, thermal straps).
Experience interfacing with launch vehicle providers on payload integration requirements.
Hands-on AI&T experience with flight hardware, avionics, and flight harnessing.
Compensation & Benefits
Our hiring and compensation strategy is simple: We offer competitive salaries and meaningful equity. We want everyone here to have real ownership in what we're building.
- Health & Wellness
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (including a fully employer-paid medical plan)
- Paid parental leave (12 weeks / 6 weeks)
- 19 paid vacation days, 10 sick days, 11 company holidays
- 401(k) with employer match (100% match up to 3%, 50% match up to 5%)
- Commuter expenses (parking & transit)
- Daily lunch stipend; Audible subscription; Claude Pro access; relocation support
- Hybrid work options & flexibility
We reserve the right to modify base pay and other compensation components. More details about our benefits are available to candidates during the hiring process.
Interview Process
We will conduct interviews via Google Meet, with the potential for an onsite visit to our office in Redwood City, CA. The typical interview process takes around 3 to 5 weeks.
Why Join Array
At Array Labs, deep technical expertise meets relentless impact. We prioritize curiosity over hierarchy and bold engineering over incremental gains. Our world-class team across hardware engineering, software, and aerospace works collaboratively to push boundaries.
Join industry-leading experts to build the future of radar and deliver unprecedented insights into the physical world.
Our Values:
- Build What Matters: Create technology that serves customers and advances humanity
- Innovate Together: Stay curious, collaborate openly, push boundaries as one team
- Employee Centric: Put our people first with a culture of trust, respect, and opportunity
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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
Array Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of merit, competence, and job qualifications without regard to gender, color, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
- 7+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis, preferably in aerospace or spacecraft systems
- Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, drawing creation, and simulation
- Experience with structural FEA for launch load verification, including quasi-static, random vibration, and sine burst analysis
- Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
- Experience creating manufacturing drawings for machined and fabricated parts
- Ability and desire to work across design, fabrication, drafting, inspection, and other hardware-creation activities
- Experience with spacecraft or payload environmental verification, including vibration and thermal-vacuum testing
- Proficiency with thermal modeling and analysis tools
- Experience correlating structural or thermal models to test data using Python or similar scripting and automation
- Knowledge of spacecraft thermal control techniques, including MLI, heaters, radiators, and thermal straps
- Experience interfacing with launch vehicle providers on payload integration requirements
- Hands-on AI&T experience with flight hardware, avionics, and flight harnessing
What We Do
High quality 3D imagery is the key to understanding the world around us and is critically important to a host of traditional and emerging industries. However, current methods of supplying this data are slow, expensive, or low-quality. Array Labs is developing next-generation earth observation satellites which will deliver a complete perspective of the earth in near-real time.
