AP
Mechanical Aerospace Engineer - Deployable Space Systems
Accepting applicationsACE Partners · Cape Canaveral, FL
Full-Time Mid_senior aiateganrf
Posted
1d ago
Category
Test
Experience
Mid_senior
Country
United States
Role Title: Mechanical Aerospace Engineer – Deployable Space Systems
Overview
An early-stage, venture-backed aerospace and defense organization is entering its active hardware development phase following a successful transition from conceptual design to flight-test preparation. The company is developing reusable orbital vehicle technology focused on deployable space systems, satellite propulsion and fuel architectures, and rapid-response orbital mission capability.
With an upcoming atmospheric drop test scheduled for July 2026, the organization is expanding its core engineering team ahead of a major hiring wave in July–August 2026.
This is a high-autonomy, hands-on role suited for engineers who have worked on real flight hardware and are comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous startup environments where execution speed and engineering rigor are equally critical.
Key Responsibilities
Lead or contribute to mechanical design of deployable aerospace systems for orbital and suborbital applications
Develop and iterate CAD models for spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and integrated flight hardware
Support full lifecycle development: concept → design → prototyping → testing → flight validation
Design lightweight, high-reliability mechanical systems for space and atmospheric conditions
Participate in rapid design-build-test cycles tied to upcoming flight and drop-test campaigns
Work cross-functionally with propulsion, systems engineering, and test teams
Support hardware integration, troubleshooting, and test campaign execution
Contribute to design decisions that directly impact flight performance and mission success
Required Experience
5+ years of mechanical/aerospace design experience (or equivalent high-impact experience)
Strong CAD expertise (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar)
Direct experience with flight hardware or aerospace systems
Background in at least one of the following:
Deployable space structures or mechanisms
Spacecraft or launch vehicle systems
Aerospace test and validation environments
Precision mechanical systems under extreme environments
Proven ability to operate in fast-paced engineering environments with minimal oversight
Location Preference
Primary and flexible locations:
Florida (preferred) – near Kennedy Space Center
Arizona (secondary engineering hub option)
Compensation & Structure
Base salary: ~$96,000 – $120,000 + Equity participation available after Year 1
Structured salary increase following first year completion (performance + company milestones)
Business Context
The organization is:
Funded through defense and Space Force-aligned programs
Focused on responsive space, reusable orbital systems, and deployable spacecraft technology
Transitioning from prototype development into active engineering and flight validation
Building capabilities in:
Satellite fuel systems
Deployable orbital structures
Rapid mission reconstitution technologies
Hypersonic-capable atmospheric test systems
The team operates lean, highly technical, and execution-driven, with significant emphasis on real-world testing and rapid iteration cycles.
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Overview
An early-stage, venture-backed aerospace and defense organization is entering its active hardware development phase following a successful transition from conceptual design to flight-test preparation. The company is developing reusable orbital vehicle technology focused on deployable space systems, satellite propulsion and fuel architectures, and rapid-response orbital mission capability.
With an upcoming atmospheric drop test scheduled for July 2026, the organization is expanding its core engineering team ahead of a major hiring wave in July–August 2026.
This is a high-autonomy, hands-on role suited for engineers who have worked on real flight hardware and are comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous startup environments where execution speed and engineering rigor are equally critical.
Key Responsibilities
Lead or contribute to mechanical design of deployable aerospace systems for orbital and suborbital applications
Develop and iterate CAD models for spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and integrated flight hardware
Support full lifecycle development: concept → design → prototyping → testing → flight validation
Design lightweight, high-reliability mechanical systems for space and atmospheric conditions
Participate in rapid design-build-test cycles tied to upcoming flight and drop-test campaigns
Work cross-functionally with propulsion, systems engineering, and test teams
Support hardware integration, troubleshooting, and test campaign execution
Contribute to design decisions that directly impact flight performance and mission success
Required Experience
5+ years of mechanical/aerospace design experience (or equivalent high-impact experience)
Strong CAD expertise (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar)
Direct experience with flight hardware or aerospace systems
Background in at least one of the following:
Deployable space structures or mechanisms
Spacecraft or launch vehicle systems
Aerospace test and validation environments
Precision mechanical systems under extreme environments
Proven ability to operate in fast-paced engineering environments with minimal oversight
Location Preference
Primary and flexible locations:
Florida (preferred) – near Kennedy Space Center
Arizona (secondary engineering hub option)
Compensation & Structure
Base salary: ~$96,000 – $120,000 + Equity participation available after Year 1
Structured salary increase following first year completion (performance + company milestones)
Business Context
The organization is:
Funded through defense and Space Force-aligned programs
Focused on responsive space, reusable orbital systems, and deployable spacecraft technology
Transitioning from prototype development into active engineering and flight validation
Building capabilities in:
Satellite fuel systems
Deployable orbital structures
Rapid mission reconstitution technologies
Hypersonic-capable atmospheric test systems
The team operates lean, highly technical, and execution-driven, with significant emphasis on real-world testing and rapid iteration cycles.
Show more Show less