Top Tech Jobs & Startup Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Design, build, and test mechanical structures for in-orbit manufacturing spacecraft and ground support equipment. Responsibilities include evaluating concepts using physics-based methods, creating CAD models and engineering drawings, fabricating hardware, and supporting development and flight testing. Interns may work on tooling, test setups, ground support equipment, flight hardware modifications, and generative design applications.

Develop and debug real-time embedded C++ software for spacecraft flight computers. Support autonomous control, data handling, fault protection, hardware interfaces, systems integration, and testing. Collaborate with avionics and systems teams to validate software across mission phases in an on-site startup environment.

Own spacecraft final assembly integration from subassembly mating through vehicle closeout. Develop integration procedures, assembly travelers, and work instructions; coordinate structures, propulsion, avionics, and thermal protection teams; resolve interface and sequencing issues; lead readiness reviews; ensure cleanliness, FOD, torque, and inspection records; manage nonconformances and MRBs; track integration metrics; and define tooling and handling requirements.

Develop aerodynamic and aeroheating databases for hypersonic reentry vehicles across rarefied, hypersonic, and subsonic flight regimes. Run CFD and DSMC simulations, build meshes, plan and analyze wind tunnel tests, support 6DOF modeling and flight rules, reconcile CFD, test, and telemetry data, lead post-flight reconstruction, and collaborate with GNC, TPS, structures, and mission planning teams.

Own manufacturing processes for aerospace structural assemblies, including composites, machined metals, and bonded structures. Develop work instructions, process specifications, travelers, tooling, and DFM feedback. Investigate nonconformances, drive corrective actions, enforce FOD and contamination controls, improve production layouts and throughput, and coordinate material inspection requirements. This hands-on, onsite role supports scaling reentry capsule and spacecraft production.

Develop and own aerodynamic and aeroheating databases for hypersonic reentry vehicles across the full flight envelope. Run CFD and DSMC simulations, plan and analyze wind tunnel campaigns, characterize stability, support 6DOF modeling and flight rules, and synthesize CFD, test, and flight data. Lead post-flight aerodynamic reconstruction and collaborate with GNC, TPS, structures, and mission planning teams to deliver flight-ready aeroscience products.

Own spacecraft final assembly and integration from subsystem mating through vehicle closeout. Develop assembly procedures, travelers, and work instructions; coordinate structures, propulsion, avionics, and TPS teams; resolve interface and sequencing issues; lead readiness reviews and non-conformance root-cause actions; track integration metrics; and define tooling and handling requirements for safe, efficient vehicle production.

Own manufacturing processes for composite, metallic, and bonded aerospace structural assemblies. Develop work instructions and manufacturing travelers, provide DFM feedback, investigate non-conformances, define production tooling, improve work-cell layouts, and coordinate material inspection requirements. The role requires hands-on structural fabrication experience, engineering drawing and GD&T interpretation, process documentation, root-cause problem solving, and the ability to work directly with hardware in an on-site aerospace production environment.

Owns payloads throughout their lifecycle, from mission scoping and interface definition through integration, environmental testing, flight operations, recovery, and post-flight data delivery. The engineer coordinates with payload customers and multidisciplinary vehicle teams, develops requirements and verification plans, troubleshoots hardware issues, defines operations procedures, supports on-console activities, and improves standard payload interfaces and workflows. The role requires hands-on cleanroom work with complex aerospace hardware and mentorship of earlier-career engineers.

Leads the Payload Systems Integration and Test organization, overseeing multidisciplinary engineers, payload interface definition, integration campaigns, environmental qualification, cleanroom practices, and mission execution. The role manages pharmaceutical and hosted payloads from design and customer scoping through orbital operations, reentry, recovery, and data retrieval. It also owns payload standards, hiring, process development, headcount planning, and coordination with vehicle integration, production, mission management, and customers.