Senior Mechanical Engineer

$120,000 - $180,000

Full Time: Onsite

Hawthorne, CA

Our client is an expanding start-up at the forefront of space exploration, developing end-to-end solutions for large-scale rocket propellant production on the Moon and Mars. By creating key enabling technologies, they are paving the way for humanity to become a truly multi-planetary species.

If you're energized by a high-ownership environment, thrive in a fast-paced setting, and love tackling challenging hardware problems, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of space exploration!

The Role:

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will work on designing and building subsystems and components to convert extra-terrestrial resources into rocket propellant. In this high-impact role, you will help shape the future of resource utilization in space, laying the foundation for humanity’s expansion beyond our planet.

If you're driven by innovation, thrive in fast-paced environments, and enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, we’d love to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of architectures, systems, subsystems, and components as the Responsible Engineer for assigned hardware.
• Conduct rapid testing iterations on hardware to refine and validate performance.
• Test subsystems and components in simulated environments to mimic launch and operational conditions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of hardware with supporting systems.
• Identify and execute high-level improvements to program operations and strategy.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to early-career engineers.
• Anticipate emerging technologies and apply them to accelerate the team’s goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience working within the space sector
• At least 5 years of experience in a professional engineering environment.
• Proficiency with CAD, engineering analysis, and hands-on fabrication or testing of hardware.
• Strong sense of ownership and productivity.
• Passion for advancing human exploration beyond Earth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree(s) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar field.
• Over 15 years of engineering experience, including leadership and individual contributor roles.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering hardware solutions for complex challenges.
• Experience designing hardware for space applications.
• Familiarity with mechatronics, process design, thermal analysis, and/or mass production.
• Strong commitment to enabling humanity’s expansion into space.

Position Details

• Open to Senior and Principal levels based on experience.
• Location: Los Angeles, CA.
• Salary range: $120,000–$180,000 annually, plus equity package. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include paid time off and comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.

Export Control Requirements

Candidates must comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylees under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or must meet eligibility requirements for necessary export authorizations.