Lead Mechanical Engineer, Space Compute Hardware
Overview
Own the mechanical architecture of space-based compute hardware at Cowboy Space Corp., a startup building orbital power and data infrastructure. You will lead a team of mechanical engineers responsible for the structural and thermal-mechanical design of high-reliability flight hardware operating in Low Earth Orbit. This role spans from packaging architecture and thermal trade studies to hands-on integration and qualification, working closely with electrical, thermal, and spacecraft systems teams. You will deliver robust, high-performance compute flight hardware ready for space, backed by a team from top aerospace organizations and funded by leading investors.
What You'll Do9
- 1Own mechanical architecture of space-based compute hardware, including chassis, PCB retention, connector interfaces, and thermal management, from concept through production.
- 2Perform system-level trade studies on packaging, mass, and thermal performance to optimize compute hardware architecture for LEO environments.
- 3Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, setting technical direction and review standards.
- 4Define and own interfaces and technical budgets for compute and power electronics assemblies.
- 5Drive structural and thermal analysis efforts, using tools like ANSYS and Thermal Desktop to validate designs against requirements.
- 6Develop and maintain mechanical drawings, GD&T specifications, and ICDs for internal manufacture and external vendors.
- 7Define and execute mechanical integration and test plans, including environmental qualification for vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum.
- 8Represent the mechanical team in design reviews and system-level discussions.
- 9Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, thermal, and spacecraft teams to ensure compatibility at all mechanical and thermal 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, defense, or high-reliability electronics programs.
- 3Demonstrated experience as the technical lead or authority on the mechanical design of electronics enclosures or compute hardware for space or high-reliability applications.
- 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 thermal management approaches for high-power electronics in vacuum environments.
- 8Experience managing direct reports or leading a technical team.
Salary Insight
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