Mechanical Engineer

About Us:

Samara Aerospace is revolutionizing satellite design by addressing the challenges of deploying and managing large satellite constellations. Our innovative Hummingbird spacecraft bus offers a modular and scalable platform that streamlines satellite production and deployment, significantly reducing launch costs. Hummingbird's compact architecture maximizes launch capacity, making it the most efficient and agile spacecraft in the industry. At the core of our technology is the patented Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) system. Unlike traditional wheel-based pointing control systems, MSAC utilizes actuators embedded in the hinges of deployable solar panels to provide 3-axis attitude control and active jitter cancellation. This design eliminates the need for spinning wheels, reducing mass and potential points of failure, while enhancing pointing precision.

Role:

The Mechanical team at Samara is seeking a mechanical engineer to support the design, analysis, build, and testing of next-generation spacecraft at our headquarters in San Francisco. You’ll work closely with experienced mechanical and electrical engineers, gaining exposure to spacecraft structures, mechanisms, solar arrays, ground support equipment, and environmental testing in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities:

• Design, analyze, procure, assemble, and test satellite structures, mechanisms, and solar arrays.
• Identify loads, interface, and functional requirements at the component- and systems-level.
• Select materials and mechanical components suitable for space environments.
• Incorporate design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) features.
• Contribute to and help define high-level spacecraft architecture.
• Collaborate with the electrical engineering team to successfully integrate avionics and wiring harnesses.
• Perform mechanical and/or thermal analysis of spacecraft systems.
• Generate manufacturing drawings, manage BOMs, and source components.
• Participate in hands-on prototyping, building and testing of spacecraft components.
• Assist in the development sub-assembly and vehicle level environmental test plans (launch vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.).
• Design ground support equipment including assembly jigs, test fixtures, and mass offload systems.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams for successful vehicle integration.
• Assist in the expansion and improvement of Samara manufacturing, environmental test, and vehicle integration facilities.
• Identify ways to improve operational efficiency.

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 3+ years of spacecraft mechanical design and integration (or equivalent) experience.
• Proficiency in computer aided design (CAD) software of choice, NX preferred.
• Experience with structural and thermal hand calculations and analysis (FEA experience preferred but not required).
• Experience with design and fabrication of composite and/or metallic components.
• Ability to generate engineering drawings with sufficient GD&T to effectively communicate design and manufacturing intent.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and schematics.
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and be self-motivated while working in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with spacecraft environmental testing (launch vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.).
• A passion for hands-on hardware development in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with composite structures.
• Proficiency in NX.
• Experience with Thermal Desktop and/or NX Nastran
• Machine shop prototyping and fabrication experience (CNC mill/router, mill, lathe, laser cutter, 3D printer, hand tools).
• Experience in Python or other programming languages.

Salary and Benefits:

• Pay range: $130,000-160,000 annually to start
• Early and competitive equity in a rapidly growing startup
• Platinum-level healthcare, vision, dental, and life insurance covered 100% for you
• Partial dependent coverage available
• 401k matching at 4% (no vesting)
• Unlimited PTO and sick time
• Catered lunch 3x per week
• Education assistance up to $5,250 per year
• Relocation assistance is available 
• 17 paid holidays (including a “winter break” Dec. 24-Jan. 1)

Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 
Samara Aerospace does not currently sponsor employment visas for this position.
Employment eligibility will be verified upon hire in accordance with federal law.