Position purpose
At Dcubed, we're redefining the future of space exploration with advanced mechanisms and deployable systems that power missions beyond Earth.
As an R&D Engineer - Actuators (f/m/d), you'll work at the heart of our product development and improvement efforts - designing, testing, and qualifying space-grade hardware that must perform flawlessly in the harshest environments.
In this role, you'll take ownership of both new product development projects and the continuous improvement of our current product line. You'll define and execute test and qualification campaigns, analyze results, and ensure full documentation and compliance. Collaborating closely with Production, Product Assurance and Sales, you'll help solve technical challenges, optimize designs for manufacturability, and develop jigs, fixtures, and ground support equipment that improve how we build and test our products.
Key responsibilities
Design and develop mechanical and electromechanical components and assemblies for Dcubed's space mechanisms.
Own and execute product testing and qualification, both in-house and with external test facilities. Including test setup, data acquisition, and qualification reporting.
Create and maintain qualification and verification documentation (test plans, TRRs, reports, conformance matrices) in line with industry and internal standards.
Lead engineering change requests (ECRs) to continuously improve product reliability, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
Collaborate closely with Industrial Engineering and Product Assurance to investigate issues, perform root cause analyses, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Design and maintain assembly jigs, fixtures, and ground support equipment (GSE) to streamline manufacturing of prototypes and test operations.
Take a hands-on role in assembling pre-production units of your own designs, carrying that hardware knowledge through the handover to serial production.
Contribute to continuous improvement projects on product design, features and test methodology.
Apply programming skills (Python, C/C++) to automate tests, analyze data, or support embedded systems development.
Support cross-functional design reviews and internal qualification reviews.
Document all work clearly and maintain configuration control in alignment with company and space industry standards.
Candidate background
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
Experience in development of space mechanisms
Experience in tribology
Experience in GD&T, manufacturing processes and analysis
Hands-on mentality on building prototypes
Experience working with relevant standards (i.e. ECSS, Military standards, Nasa standards, etc)
Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing techniques.
Hands-on experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, or similar).
Experience in testing and qualification of space hardware or similar high-reliability systems.
Basic to intermediate programming skills (Python, C/C++) for test automation or data analysis.
Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset; ability to work independently on technically complex tasks.
Practical experience in a lab or test environment, with attention to detail and documentation rigor.
Collaborative mindset with interest in working closely with Production, Product Assurance and Sales teams.
Familiarity with ECSS or NASA testing and qualification standards is a plus.
Fluency in English
Eligibility to work in the Germany
What we offer
We want you to feel welcome and have the best possible tools for your work here at Dcubed. Therefore, we have selected a set of benefits to support your work days and everyday life, today and longer term.
Commute: Deutschlandticket
Wellbeing: EGYM Wellpass, recovery toolkit
ETF-based pension program offering 30-50% company contribution
Modern work equipment, based on your role and needs: laptop, phone, headphones, electric desk, wide screens, state-of-the-art workshop equipment
Office environment: kitchen and break areas; lunch offering, beverages & snacks at the office; small exercise area, Space Bar
Work-life balance & activities: hybrid work arrangements (location and working hours), company events and trips, launch parties
Professional development: 70-20-10 thinking, training budget, training library, regular performance reviews
Company swag: hoodie, t-shirt, stickers, water bottle, notebook etc.
This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. and/or Germany export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. and/or Germany export controls.
Please note: Dcubed does not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and will not pay fees for any candidates we have not requested.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering or related field
- Experience in development of space mechanisms
- Experience in tribology
- Experience with GD&T, manufacturing processes and analysis
- Hands-on mentality building prototypes and pre-production units
- Experience working with relevant standards (ECSS, Military standards, NASA standards)
- Hands-on experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar)
- Experience in testing and qualification of space hardware or similar high-reliability systems
- Basic to intermediate programming skills (Python, C/C++) for test automation or data analysis
- Practical experience in a lab or test environment with strong documentation rigor
- Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset; ability to work independently on complex tasks
- Fluency in English
- Eligibility to work in Germany
- Familiarity with ECSS or NASA testing and qualification standards
What We Do
Dcubed is a German NewSpace company that develops and manufactures high-performance release actuators, mechanisms, and deployable structures for a wide range of space applications. Their mission is to make space engineering and exploration easy and accessible by providing lighter, more affordable, and reliable hardware, enabling customers to focus on exploration.
