Mechanical Engineer

Mission Control located in Ottawa, Canada. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented individuals to join our team in Ottawa.

About Us 
Mission Control empowers explorers to advance their space missions. We innovate to make modern software viable to use in space  , unlocking the potential of new scientific and commercial opportunities on Earth, Moon, Mars, and Beyond. 

We have a clear vision: to be a workplace where a diverse and thoughtful mix of talented people want to learn and do their best work. We are inspired by a vision of the world in which access to space is ubiquitous and inspires all humans to treasure planet Earth and marvel at the universe.

Please visit our website to learn more about our team and ongoing projects: https://missioncontrolspace.com.    

About the Job 
Mission Control is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the expansion of our technology portfolio of solutions for autonomous and robotic space missions. As part of our team, you will be responsible for the mechanical design of spaceflight hardware. The ideal candidate will possess direct expertise in the thermal and structural design, analysis and testing of avionics, optical instruments, and mechanisms for the unique challenges of space. This role involves full-cycle project participation: from mission concept and requirements definition, through detailed design, analysis, testing, to integration and qualification.
 
You could be a good fit for this role if you are passionate about making an impact on the space sector and want to contribute to growing a small company from the ground up! You will be exposed to a wide variety of tasks with the potential to make a difference in the emerging space economy, so you must be a versatile self-starter who works well in teams and is not afraid to learn something new.

You will support and become a critical member of our team – a team of engineers, scientists, and space enthusiasts, who are passionate about being part of humanity’s next bold steps in space exploration, with a view to inspiring the next generation and the public through our work and our contributions to exploring the solar system!

Tasks and Responsibilities 
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will: 
•    Lead mechanical and thermal design for avionics, optical assemblies, or mechanism subsystems tailored for the space environment (Earth orbit, lunar surface, deep space)
•    Conduct structural and thermal analyses using FEA tools; optimize designs for mass, strength, and thermal performance
•    Develop, allocate, and manage mechanical requirements and interfaces, ensuring traceability from concept through to verification
•    Participate in the full engineering lifecycle, from trade studies and conceptual layouts to detailed mechanical drawings and part selection
•    Drive hardware through the build cycle: manufacturing, integration, and qualification, including support for reviews and documentation
•    Develop and execute test plans for thermal vacuum, vibration, and environmental qualification
•    Troubleshoot failures, identify root cause, and resolve issues encountered during fabrication, test, and integration
•    Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (systems, electrical, software, science), suppliers, and customers in the development, test and integration of space hardware
•    Select and specify mechanical and thermal components and materials 
•    Author and review technical documentation, including requirements specs, analysis reports, design documents, test procedures, and as-built records
•    Specify, design, and validate mechanical and thermal interfaces between avionics, embedded computers, sensors, actuators, payloads and users.
•    Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of rigorous mechanical engineering and technical excellence.

Skills and Experience 
As a Mechanical Engineer you have:
•    Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering field
•    5+ years (working level) or 8+ years (senior level) of relevant experience in space systems mechanical or thermal design
•    Demonstrated mechanical design experience for one or more of: avionics, optical payloads, mechanisms for spacecraft
•    Proficiency with FEA tools (such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Thermal Desktop, or similar) for thermal and structural analysis
•    Involvement in the full mission or product cycle: from requirements and preliminary design to qualification and flight
•    Hands-on experience with environmental qualification: thermal vacuum, vibration, or shock testing
•    Familiarity with spacecraft mechanical components, adhesives, thermal hardware, and industry standards or guidelines (e.g., NASA, ECSS, MIL-STD)
•    Excellent technical problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
•    Prior exposure to requirements management tools and CAD/MBD/PDM software
•    Bonus points for having designed and built something that survived in space 

Soft skills:  
•    Ability to prioritize workload and work efficiently and autonomously. 
•    Strong written and verbal communication abilities
•    Proven capacity to meet deadlines in an environment with constantly shifting priorities; ready to showcase your organizational and time management skills. 
•    Proactive approach to problem-solving and strong decision-making skills. 
•    Motivated/skilled in finding new processes/tools to improve workflow. 

Special Comments

Security: Successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a security clearance in Canada at the reliability status level (and potentially at the higher levels), and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

Due to the security clearance required for Mission Control's facility, only Canadian Citizen's and Permanent Residents are eligible at this time. 

Salary: The salary range for this position is $85, 000- $150,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience 

Location
Mission Control is located in Ottawa, Ontario.

Some travel may be required at certain times for this role, always following the Health and Safety Guidance of the Government of Canada.

What’s In It For You?
•    Be on the forefront of space exploration and the emerging commercial space industry.
•    Work to solve problems with a team of intelligent, fun people!
•    Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Package including vacation pay, wellness plan (health, vision, dental) and unlimited unpaid time off.
•    Relocation assistance for eligible employees.
•    Two weeks of sick/personal leave per year.
•    Employee Stock Option plan for equity sharing.
•    Flexible working hours.
•    Work in a respectful and inclusive workplace. It is extremely important to us that all employees feel safe and supported at work, and feel able to bring their whole selves to work.
•    Be part of a family-friendly company, where we understand the needs of working parents with young children (because many of us are too!).
•    Bi-weekly coffee chats for connecting with colleagues socially, and for mentorship by senior staff.

How To Apply
Please apply directly through this posting, or send your application by email to [email protected]. Application materials include:
•    Cover letter and resume as a single PDF (required)
•    Portfolio material, references, or other indications of exceptional past work (optional)

During the hiring process we may ask to see examples of previous work or ask for a small project.

As part of our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we accept and encourage anonymized resumes.

We will accept applications until the position is filled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.