Designs and develops mechanical systems for phased-array satellite antennas, payloads, subsystems, and interfaces from concept through in-orbit support. Responsibilities include architecture trade studies, CAD and FEA, thermal and structural analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, mechanisms and actuators, environmental testing, and customer design reviews. The role also supports proposals and requires expertise in spacecraft environments, aerospace materials, electronics packaging, EMI/EMC mitigation, and reliable deployment systems.
Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.
We are looking to add a Senior Mechanical Engineer to our Mechanical Engineering team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing space hardware for leading-edge communications satellites, we would like to hear from you.
In this position, you will be responsible for mechanical design aspects of Cesium phased array antennas, subsystems, and interfaces through all phases of the development process. The ideal candidate will be versatile and proficient in mechanical analysis, electronics packaging, computer-aided design (CAD), mechanical interfaces, thermal architecture, spacecraft propulsion, deployable and actuated structures, and environmental qualification of spacecraft antennas and payloads. You will be responsible for mechanical designs from concept through space flight including requirements definition, architecture trades and block diagrams, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, and in-orbit support.
The successful candidate will also present engineering design review materials to our customers and executive team, as well as participate in proposal-writing efforts. As such, excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university or institution
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in space antenna and payload mechanical engineering to include electronics packaging, thermal, shock, vibration, stress dynamics, and cost. A Master's degree may count as two years of experience.
- Experience in conducting architectural trade studies including parametric and first-order cost and physical analysis
- Experience with professional mechanical and FEA CAD tools, such as Ansys Mechanical, SolidWorks Simulation, and Thermal Desktop
- Experience with CNC manufacturing and GD&T
- Experience with advanced aerospace manufacturing and materials including sandwich panels and carbon composites, OR experience with high-reliability deployment mechanisms for space applications (including deployment, HDRMs, power delivery, etc.).
- Proficiency in detailed mechanical design (3D CAD, drawings, etc.)
- Experience designing and manufacturing mechanisms and mechanical actuators
- Experience with EMI/EMC mitigation techniques
- Familiarity with satellite thermal architectures including heat pipes, phase change materials, contact resistance, and surface finishes as well as fundamental understandings of orbital thermal control in a LEO environment.
- Familiarity with launch and LEO environments (thermal, shock, vibe, radiation, etc)
- Familiarity with design for test, manufacturability, assembly, and reliability
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Python, C++, or other programming languages
- Experience with large, deployable antenna arrays which drive your vision for the next generation of on-orbit communications and sensor arrays.
- Robotics and control systems experience
- PCBA experience.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
CesiumAstro El Segundo, California, USA Office
101 Continental Blvd, El Segundo, CA, United States, 90245
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Manufacturing
Designs and analyzes pressure components and assemblies for Terran R launch vehicle fluid and propulsion systems. Responsibilities include fluid, thermal, and structural analysis; CAD design; CFD and FEA; development and execution of qualification tests; and trade studies supporting system architectures. The role requires collaboration across design, manufacturing, testing, and vehicle teams in an on-site factory environment.
Top Skills:
AnsysCfdCreoFeaFemapNxSolidworks
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Information Technology • Consulting
Leads mechanical design, structural FEA, analysis, testing, and qualification of complex networking systems from concept through production. Responsibilities include chassis and fixture design, simulation-to-test correlation, dynamic testing, tolerance analysis, root-cause investigations, manufacturing support, and corrective action implementation. The role collaborates with ASIC, hardware, manufacturing, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams while ensuring structural integrity, reliability, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance.
Top Skills:
3D-Scanning MetrologyAccelerometersAnsys WorkbenchAstm D4169CadEcad-Mcad IntegrationEmcEmiEpdmFeaGd&TGr-63HaltIdf WorkflowsIpc-9704Ls-DynaMdvtNebsSolidworksStrain Gauges
Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Software • Nanotechnology • Semiconductor • Quantum Computing • Defense
Lead the design, development, qualification, and production of infrared detector packaging, cold stages, Integrated Dewar Assemblies, cryogenic hardware, and precision electromechanical systems. Perform thermal, structural, tolerance, and reliability analyses; create CAD models, drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and documentation; apply GD&T; support environmental and qualification testing; participate in customer and design reviews; and provide technical mentorship.
Top Skills:
3D CadAs9100Cryogenic HardwareGd&TInfrared Detector PackagingIntegrated Dewar Assemblies (Idas)Reliability AnalysisStructural AnalysisThermal AnalysisTolerance Analysis
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
