The Role
Lead mechanical design, analysis, and validation of spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and thermal hardware. Perform FEA and tolerance analysis, develop CAD models and drawings, support prototyping, integration, and environmental testing (vibration, thermal, deployment), participate in design reviews, and mitigate technical risks through hands-on builds and test data collection.
Summary Generated by Built In
Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Mechanical team as a Senior Mechanical Engineer developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. This role offers the chance to combine hands-on engineering with in-depth structural analysis to ensure our spacecraft thrive in the extreme space environment. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it.
AscendArc is a seed stage startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design, development, and validation of spacecraft mechanical systems, including structures, mechanisms, and thermal hardware
- Perform structural analysis using FEA to evaluate stiffness, strength, vibration modes, and margins of safety.
- Collaborate with immediate and cross-functional teams to define mechanical interfaces and support system integration
- Develop CAD models, detailed drawings, and documentation to support manufacturing, assembly, and testing
- Support environmental and functional testing efforts (e.g., vibration, thermal, deployment), including test setup and data collection
- Participate in design reviews and help identify and mitigate technical risks early in the development cycle
- Assist in hands-on prototyping, hardware builds, and integration activities
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
- 5+ years of experience designing and testing complex mechanical systems in the aerospace industry
- Proficient in 3D CAD (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and engineering analysis tools (FEA, thermal, tolerance analysis)
- Demonstrated experience with full product lifecycle: from early prototyping through flight hardware delivery
- Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, integration, and testing
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across disciplines and with external partners
Who We’re Looking For
We’re searching for exceptional talent. We value high-caliber individuals with the drive and creativity to help launch Oregon’s first commercial communications satellite.
We’re looking for people who:
- Thrive in a cradle-to-grave design environment and take ownership from concept through launch.
- Bring energy, curiosity, and a responsible engineering mindset.
- Want to work alongside other exceptional people in an environment where great ideas rise to the top.
Base Salary
The base salary range for this position is $120,000-190,000/year. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.
Legal Eligibility to Work
Due to U.S. export control regulations, this position is only open to “U.S. persons.” That means you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or have refugee/asylee status. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants on temporary work visas (such as H-1B, TN, O-1, etc.) for this role.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor or legally protected status.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 5+ years designing and testing complex mechanical systems in the aerospace industry
- Proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and engineering analysis tools (FEA, thermal, tolerance analysis)
- Demonstrated experience across full product lifecycle from prototyping through flight hardware delivery
- Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, integration, and testing (environmental and functional tests)
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across disciplines and with external partners
- Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or refugee/asylee); no temporary work visas accepted
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
AscendArc is revolutionizing the satellite communications sector by creating affordable, rapidly deployable, high-bandwidth small GEO satellites with a scalable design and efficient manufacturing process, aiming to lower costs and speed deployment compared to traditional systems.
