Senior Satellite Mechanical Engineer in Long Beach, California at SPINLAUNCH Inc

SpinLaunch is building Meridian, a next-generation broadband constellation designed to deliver high-capacity, low-latency connectivity to users around the globe. Backed by leading venture capital and engineering partners, we are rapidly scaling the design, production, and deployment of the satellites and ground systems that will bring Meridian online. Joining the Meridian team means working at the forefront of one of the most ambitious commercial space programs underway today — designing, building, and operating spacecraft that will reshape global connectivity. You'll be part of a close-knit, collaborative team that thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, where your work directly advances a constellation that millions will depend on.

Your Mission on the Team:

You are responsible for the design and development of satellite structures, mechanisms and thermal management of satellites for the Meridian Space constellation from concept through orbit. This includes structural design, deployable mechanisms, launch vehicle interfaces, satellite deployment, thermal analysis, manufacturing, assembly and testing. As part of a small team tackling ambitious challenges, you’ll take full ownership of the end-to-end success of your hardware in orbit - driving every aspect of development, from design to fully-integrated, space-ready systems.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years professional aerospace mechanical design/development experience
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, materials, dynamics, and manufacturing methods
• Skill in using and creating software tools to model systems performance across a variety of disciplines (MATLAB, Python, Excel, etc.)
• Experience with CAD (Solidworks, etc.) and creating engineering drawings
• Ability to work autonomously and exercise good engineering judgement
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7+ years professional spacecraft design/development experience
• Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, or related field
• Experience designing low-cost satellites intended for high production volumes
• Experience designing spacecraft for launch vehicle interfaces and analyzing launch loads
• Expertise with spacecraft separation systems and other mechanisms
• Experience with spacecraft assembly, integration, and test
• Experience with spacecraft thermal analysis and design
• Breadth of understanding of other spacecraft subsystems and general knowledge of satellite operations

ITAR Requirements

SpinLaunch is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here.

SpinLaunch is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.