Sr. Mechanisms Engineer at Cowboyspace — San Carlos, CA

About the Role

The Payload Mechanical team is looking for a Senior Mechanisms Engineer to act as the responsible engineer for gimbal mechanism development on our laser communications payloads. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated expert with a versatile skill set and deep hands-on experience with flight mechanisms for high-reliability space systems, comfortable driving everything from conceptual design and performance budgeting to precision component procurement and rigorous hardware execution. This role spans concept development, mechanical design, analysis, procurement, integration, and qualification of precision pointing and tracking mechanisms for flight. You will work closely with optical, laser, controls, and systems engineers to deliver flight-ready gimbals that meet demanding performance and reliability requirements. Previous experience driving end-to-end development of precision flight mechanisms, managing stringent performance budgets, and qualifying hardware for space environments in a fast-paced environment is required.

Responsibilities

• Own the full development lifecycle of gimbal mechanisms for laser communications payloads, from concept through flight qualification
• Design precision gimbal assemblies, including bearings, flexures, motors, encoders, and structural members
• Perform mechanism-level analysis including kinematics, stiffness, backlash, torque margin, thermal expansion, and bearing life modeling
• Define mechanism performance requirements and interface specifications in coordination with optical and controls teams
• Specify and procure precision components including bearings, motors, encoders, and custom machined parts; own supplier relationships and acceptance testing
• Develop and execute integration and verification procedures for flight hardware
• Define and execute qualification test plans including functional testing, life testing, vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum
• Develop and maintain mechanism drawings, GD&T specifications, assembly procedures, and test reports
• Collaborate with controls engineers to support mechanism characterization and closed-loop performance validation
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to system-level pointing and tracking trade studies

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience designing and developing precision mechanisms for flight hardware in aerospace or defense programs
• Demonstrated experience as the technical owner of end-to-end mechanism development including design, analysis, procurement, integration, and test
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and engineering drawing/GD&T
• Experience with mechanism analysis including kinematics, stiffness, torque margin, and bearing life calculations
• Hands-on experience with flight mechanism integration, alignment, and functional testing in a lab environment
• Familiarity with precision components including angular contact bearings, brushless DC motors, and optical encoders
• Experience taking flight mechanisms through environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 8+ years of experience in precision flight mechanism development for space or defense programs
• Experience designing gimbal mechanisms for laser communications, optical payloads, or antenna pointing systems
• Familiarity with fast steering mirrors or other precision beam-pointing devices
• Experience with mechanism lubrication strategies for space environments
• Familiarity with closed-loop control of gimbal mechanisms and interaction with pointing error budgets
• Experience with life and wear testing and reliability analysis for space mechanisms
• Hands-on experience building and qualifying flight hardware in a cleanroom environment

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $152,000 - $220,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

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