Staff Mechanical Design Engineer
Momentus Space LLC
$190,000 - $215,000 / year
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Description
OUR COMPANY
As an early mover in the in-space transportation and infrastructure services, Momentus is at the forefront of the commercialization of space. With an experienced team of aerospace, propulsion, and robotics engineers, Momentus has developed a cost-effective and energy-efficient in-space transport system.
OUR PEOPLE
Daring problems require daring solutions. We boldly charge into uncharted territory knowing that no matter the outcome we will benefit from the journey and move closer to our goals no matter what. Our teams know that working at Momentus means more than building innovative technology, it means creating entirely new markets in the space economy. We are level-headed, business-minded strategic thinkers intent on providing immediate value to our customers today while simultaneously preparing for the vast possibilities of the future. If this sounds like you, we should talk.
JOB SUMMARY
As the Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, you will serve as the mechanical technical authority for our spacecraft, leading hardware development from early concept through production deployment. This role will collaborate cross-functionally with Electrical, Systems, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to deliver integrated hardware solutions. The ideal candidate should be accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and quickly adapting to new challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Own subsystem-level mechanical solutions, ensuring performance in demanding thermal and high-vibration environments
- Represent the mechanical discipline in internal and external design reviews and customer engagements
- Support hardware integration, verification, and production readiness activities within secure program environments
- Work with structural analysts to ensure structural integrity of the spacecraft and all components during all phases of launch
- Work with thermal analysts to ensure all components are maintained within acceptable temperature limits
- Conduct mechanical testing of systems and components including vibration testing, static load testing, and shock testing
- May be asked to support TVAC testing on an as-needed basis
Required Skills and Experience
- Demonstrated experience with detailed mechanical design, including technical subcontractor and vendor collaboration
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks)
- Strong understanding of structural analysis techniques, including finite element analysis (FEA) and hand calculations
- Strong understanding of drafting standards such as GD&T
- Experience defining requirements for mechanical systems and components.
- Familiarity with the space environment and how it affects mechanical hardware
- Familiarity with material selection and material coatings for space applications
- General understanding of spacecraft structural loads (quasi-static loads, random vibration, shock, thermo-mechanical)
- Ability to work independently
- Excellent technical communications skills
- Good written and verbal communications skills
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Experience designing, manufacturing, and testing space hardware with demonstrated on-orbit success
- Experience running structural vibration testing
- Experience running TVAC tests
- Structural and/or thermal analysis experience
- Previous experience working on DoD and other USG development and deployment programs
- Ability to hold and maintain a USG Security Clearance
Education & Work Experience:
- BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
- 12-15+ year relevant experience
Compensation:
Annual Base Salary Range: $190,000 - $215,000/per year
Base pay is one part of our total compensation package (base+bonus+equity) and is determined within a range. Your actual base salary will be determined on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, and location. Our benefit plans include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k retirement plan, short and long term disability and life insurance. We also offer flexible PTO, along with 11 paid holidays, sick time and paid parental leave.
This is a full-time position in San Jose, California. This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
To all recruitment agencies: Momentus does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our employees or any company email. Momentus will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
About this role
Momentus Space is seeking a Staff Mechanical Design Engineer to serve as the mechanical technical authority for its in-space transportation spacecraft, owning subsystem-level solutions from concept through production. You'll work across electrical, systems, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to deliver integrated hardware that performs in demanding thermal and high-vibration environments. The role involves leading design reviews with internal and external stakeholders, collaborating with structural and thermal analysts, conducting mechanical testing (vibration, static load, shock, and TVAC), and supporting hardware integration and production readiness in secure program environments.
This position requires 12–15+ years of relevant mechanical design experience, with demonstrated expertise in CAD (SolidWorks), structural analysis including FEA, GD&T drafting standards, and spacecraft structural loads. You should have a solid grasp of how the space environment affects mechanical hardware, material selection for space applications, and the ability to define requirements and work with subcontractors and vendors. Strong independent work capability and excellent technical and written communication skills are essential.
Candidates with prior success designing, manufacturing, and testing space hardware on-orbit, experience running structural vibration or TVAC testing, and background on DoD or USG programs are particularly competitive. The role is based in San Jose and requires in-office presence. U.S. citizenship or equivalent status is required due to export control restrictions. The salary range is $190,000–$215,000 annually, plus bonus, equity, and benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible PTO, and paid parental leave.
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Pay for this role
$190,000 to $215,000 per year
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