Mechanical Engineer at AstroForge – Seal Beach, California

About the CompanyAt AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. Along the way, we seek to leverage the technologies we build to provide additional value across other domains. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.
Job DescriptionAs a Mechanical Engineer at AstroForge, you will play a central role in developing spacecraft mechanical systems that balance mission-level requirements with detailed design precision. You will own the design, analysis, and validation of mechanical structures, mechanisms, and assemblies that must perform reliably in the extreme environment of space. This role requires strong mechanical design intuition, a systems mindset, and a drive to deliver innovative solutions to unique and challenging engineering problems.
Responsibilities

• Support the development and documentation of spacecraft mechanical designs from concept through flight.
• Apply mechanical fundamentals to create innovative solutions for complex and novel design challenges.
• Perform structural and thermal analysis to validate components, subsystems, and assemblies against mission requirements.
• Document results and maintain traceability to requirements across the system lifecycle.
• Identify, implement, and promote best practices in mechanical design and engineering processes.
• Take ownership of mechanical designs end-to-end, from CAD models and drawings to testing and integration.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience supporting the design and validation of mechanical hardware for aerospace or equivalent high-reliability applications.
• Strong proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo).
• Demonstrated ability to work with large assembly models and troubleshoot design issues.
• Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis principles.
• Strong sense of ownership, with ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA.
• Strong communication skills, with ability to present design decisions, trade-offs, and root-cause analysis.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design
• Knowledge of spacecraft mechanical best practices, including materials, manufacturing, and environmental considerations.
• Hands-on experience with structural and thermal analysis tools.
• Familiarity with complex tolerance stack-ups and precision mechanical interfaces.
• Experience bringing spacecraft or aerospace hardware from concept to flight.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
• Vision and FSA benefits available
• 3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
• 10 paid holidays
• Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
• Equity on the ground floor of a startup

SalaryLevel I: $80,250 - $101,500Level II: $100,250 - $122,500Level III: $120,250 - $151,500Level IV: $150,250 - $195,500

ITAR RequirementsTo conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.