E-Space is building a next-generation LEO satellite constellation. At the heart of our technology are high-precision free-space optical systems designed to operate in demanding space environments. We are looking for a seasoned mechanical engineer to own the mechanical development of these systems from concept through to flight.
You will lead opto-mechanical development for our space products, collaborating closely with Optics, Thermal, Electronics, Systems, AIT, and Manufacturing teams. You will work directly with suppliers and fabrication teams — embodying a design-to-manufacturing mindset — and will take designs from early engineering units through to flight hardware. The successful candidate will be based at our Toulouse, France office.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead the design of high precision opto mechanical assemblies using CAD and finite element modeling tools, owning the approach to active and passive optical alignment across the program
- Own mechanical and thermo mechanical analysis of assemblies exposed to space environmental loads, including vibration, shock, thermal, and thermal vacuum conditions, and stand behind the numbers
- Create design criteria and negotiate and own requirements directly with optical, thermal, structural, and manufacturing partners, driving system level optimization across the mechanical subsystem
- Own hardware from first concept through high volume production, launch, and on orbit operation, building new opto mechanical systems rather than sustaining an existing line, with full accountability for outcomes at every stage
- Own fabrication, assembly, and test of flight builds, including assembly fixtures, pre assembly quality checks, metrology plans, and hands on cleanroom integration for low volume production
- Drive design for manufacturing decisions directly with CNC machining suppliers, cutting piece part and process count and error proofing every step of fabrication and integration
- Represent the mechanical subsystem in cross functional design reviews and program milestones, and make the call at the system level
- Step into adjacent optical, thermal, or manufacturing engineering work whenever the program needs it, since at this size no discipline stays fully siloed
What you bring to this role
- 5+ years owning mechanical or opto mechanical hardware for space applications, from design through production, that you can point to today
- Used 3D CAD (CATIA, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and FEM or structural analysis tools to own the design of a mechanical assembly currently in production or flight
- Owned the design of an active or passive optical alignment system that shipped or flew, and can describe the specific alignment decisions you made
- Directed CNC machining suppliers and precision manufacturing processes to take a specific component from design to production, and can name the part and the calls that were yours
- Delivered hardware end to end in a fast paced, cross functional engineering environment, and can point to what shipped and what your role was
Bonus points
- Owned qualification of hardware against space environmental requirements (vibration, shock, thermal cycling, thermal vacuum, cleanliness) and can describe the test campaign and its outcome
- Built and integrated hardware by hand in a cleanroom for low volume production, and can describe the specific build
- Owned a step in a satellite assembly, integration, and test workflow start to finish
- Used Zemax OpticStudio or equivalent to make a design decision on a system that shipped, and can describe the trade
- Challenged your own assumption or a stated requirement on a real design
- Put in extended hours or weekends when a real mission deadline called for it on a past program, and can describe what was on the line
Additional Requirements
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- 10+ years experience in mechanical and opto-mechanical engineering for space applications.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and FEM/structural analysis software.
- Experience designing for active and passive optical alignment systems.
- Hands-on experience working with CNC machining suppliers and familiarity with precision manufacturing processes.
- Track record of delivering in fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environments.
- Must be based at the Toulouse, France office.
- Experience qualifying hardware for satellite environmental constraints (vibration, shock, thermal cycling, TVAC, cleanliness).
- Experience with precision mechanical integration in a cleanroom for low-volume production.
- Familiarity with satellite AI&T workflows and integration campaigns.
- Experience with optical simulation tools such as Zemax OpticStudio.
What We Do
E-Space is a global space company focused on bridging Earth and space with the most sustainable low earth orbit (LEO) network that is expected to reach over one hundred thousand multi-application communication satellites to help businesses and governments securely and affordably access the power of space to solve problems on Earth. Founded by industry pioneer Greg Wyler, E-Space is focused on democratizing space and transforming industries by bringing down the cost of space-based communications, raising the level of satellite system resiliency and setting a new standard in sustainable space infrastructure that will effectively minimize and reduce space debris and destruction while preserving access to space for future generations.
