Lead Mechanical Engineer, Laser Communications
Overview
Own the mechanical architecture of laser communications payloads at Cowboy Space Corp., from early trade studies through flight qualification. Lead a team of mechanical engineers and collaborate with optical, laser, and thermal experts to deliver space-to-earth and space-to-space optical terminals. 5+ years of flight hardware experience required, with deep expertise in opto-mechanical design, structural analysis, and environmental testing. This role offers direct impact on a new category of space infrastructure, backed by top investors and a founding team from leading aerospace companies.
What You'll Do9
- 1Own the mechanical architecture of laser communications payloads, including opto-mechanical structures, pointing systems, thermal interfaces, and harness routing, from concept through production.
- 2Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, setting technical direction, review standards, and execution pace.
- 3Define and own interfaces and technical budgets across the laser comm payload.
- 4Drive structural and thermal analysis efforts, working with analysts to validate designs against requirements using tools like NX and SolidWorks.
- 5Develop and maintain mechanical drawings, GD&T specifications, and ICDs for internal manufacture and external vendors.
- 6Define and execute mechanical integration and test plans, including environmental qualification vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum.
- 7Perform system-level trade studies on packaging, mass, and structural performance to optimize the payload architecture.
- 8Represent the mechanical team in design reviews and system-level discussions.
- 9Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, laser, electrical, and spacecraft teams to ensure compatibility at all mechanical interfaces.
Requirements8
- 1Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- 25+ years of experience in mechanical engineering for flight hardware in aerospace or defense programs.
- 3Demonstrated experience as the technical lead or authority on the mechanical design of complex electro-mechanical or opto-mechanical flight hardware.
- 4Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and engineering drawing/GD&T.
- 5Experience with structural analysis and thermal modeling tools.
- 6Experience taking flight hardware through environmental qualification vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum.
- 7Strong understanding of materials, standards, and manufacturing processes for high-reliability flight hardware.
- 8Experience managing direct reports or leading a technical team.
Salary Insight
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