Mechanical Design Engineer I/II

About the role

You own the mechanical integrity of hardware deliverables within the broader space nuclear power system, ensuring every component aligns with mission requirements. You will drive requirements definition and decomposition while defending design decisions through all phases, from concept to CDR and beyond. The role requires you to own CAD models and configurations, producing drawings and DFMEA while managing design control and versioning. You will support development testing by defining test setups, test documentation, and test procedures to validate performance. You must coordinate closely with nuclear, thermal, structural, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure the system architecture meets mission objectives. You will develop clean sheet designs, guiding hardware from procurement through development and qualification testing to production. You will own or support the design of tooling and ground support equipment, including facility upgrades where necessary. Additionally, you will develop and document emerging processes that standardize practices for future programs. Your work directly enables scalable, manufacturable hardware for first-of-a-kind systems used on Earth, underwater, and in space.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Own hardware or deliverable-related hardware as part of the larger space nuclear system, ensuring alignment with system-level requirements.
• Drive requirements definition and decomposition, then defend decisions across all design phases, taking concepts through CDR and onward to implementation.
• Own CAD models, manage configurations, produce detailed drawings, and develop DFMEA, PFMEA, and other design documentation.
• Support development testing by defining test setups, writing test documentation, and ensuring test procedures verify design intent.
• Coordinate closely with nuclear, thermal, structural, manufacturing, and quality teams to create a system architecture that satisfies mission and product requirements.
• Develop clean sheet designs from initial concepts through hardware procurement, development testing, and qualification testing.
• Support design reviews and integration testing, defining mechanical interfaces and ensuring traceability from requirements to verification.
• Own or support the design of tooling and ground support equipment, including facility upgrades to enable production and testing.
• Develop and document emerging processes, ensuring best practices are captured and applied to future programs.
• Apply system-level thinking to balance mass, volume, power, and thermal constraints within the space nuclear framework.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable and scalable, enabling transition from prototype to production with minimal friction.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to refine configurations, close design loops, and resolve interface challenges quickly.
• Maintain rigorous configuration management and data integrity across all design artifacts and revisions.
• Contribute to supplier interactions and build readiness reviews to ensure external components meet strict specifications.
• Use analysis and simulation tools to validate thermal, structural, and fluid performance under space environment conditions.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or a related physics-based field that provides a strong foundation in engineering principles.
• Possess 1-3+ years of experience in space system or product mechanical design, including system configuration, layout, and integration.
• Demonstrate expertise with CAD tools such as NX or CATIA, along with past experience using PLM and other manufacturing planning and management systems.
• Have hands-on experience defining requirements, building test cycles, and defending design decisions throughout all stages of development.
• Show ability to own CAD models, manage configurations, and produce detailed drawings, DFMEA, and other design documentation independently.
• Bring experience supporting development testing, including test setup, test definition, and test documentation creation.
• Collaborate effectively with nuclear, thermal, structural, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure system-level requirements are met.
• Demonstrate capability to develop clean sheet designs and guide hardware through procurement, development, qualification, and production.
• Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills to convey technical information to both technical and non-specialist stakeholders.
• Understand fundamental principles in fluid systems, solid mechanics, and heat transfer as they apply to space hardware.
• Show a documented track record of initiative and going the extra mile to solve complex engineering problems.
• Have knowledge of materials science, material selection, and material compatibility relevant to demanding environments.
• Perform system sizing and first-order engineering analyses to support concept development and trade studies.
• Apply mechanical design experience and GD&T skills to produce drawings that can be taken into production efficiently.
• Be prepared to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones without hesitation.
• Be willing and able to work on-site full time at the Torrance, California facility to integrate fully with team operations.

Nice to have

• Hold a Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or a related physics-based field with advanced specialization.
• Bring experience in the design, analysis, and integration of space hardware from concept to flight.
• Show leadership experience on a project or research team, guiding peers toward shared objectives.
• Demonstrate strong project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exhibit exceptional cross-discipline communication and interpersonal skills that foster collaboration across teams.
• Possess a deep understanding of fluid systems, solid mechanics, and heat transfer fundamentals applied to real-world scenarios.
• Maintain a proven track record of initiative and ownership, driving projects forward without constant supervision.
• Have knowledge of materials science, material selection, and material compatibility for space applications.
• Conduct system sizing and first-order engineering analyses with confidence in early-stage design exploration.
• Apply mechanical design and GD&T/drawing interpretation skills to transition designs into production smoothly.

Practical notes

• This role is based in Los Angeles, specifically at our Torrance facility located at a 322,000 square foot, brand new facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production.
• The site is embedded in Los Angeles' vibrant emerging tech ecosystem, placing you alongside many other high-growth startups and established enterprises.
• The position is full-time and eligible for salary ranges of $90,000 to $105,000 for Mechanical Design Engineer I or $115,000 to $150,000 for Mechanical Design Engineer II.
• Compensation details are provided for reference but are not binding or offer elements until finalized during hiring discussions.
• Relocation, signing bonuses, or other specific benefits are not detailed on this page and should be discussed with recruiters if applicable.
• No hybrid or remote options are available for this role; on-site presence is required.
• Availability to work extended hours and weekends is necessary to meet critical milestones throughout the project lifecycle.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship requirements at this time.
• The role may involve exposure to high-energy systems, thermal management challenges, and iterative test campaigns in a demanding development environment.
• Success in this role depends on adaptability, ownership, and the ability to manage concurrent tasks in a fast-moving, mission-driven organization.