Senior Mechanical Engineer - Antenna Systems

About the role

You will own the complete design, development, and delivery of a payload antenna structure for a next-generation low Earth orbit system. This role requires hands-on problem solving to create unique mechanical solutions for unprecedented challenges in space environments. You will work with a highly curious and intentional team that is unapologetically committed to innovation in space-based communications. Your work will directly support making connectivity from space universally accessible, secure, and actionable for global IoT deployments. You will bridge Earth and space by enabling hyper-scaled IoT solutions through advanced manufacturing and service delivery methods. The position demands a commitment to expanding global economies while simultaneously protecting space and our planet. You will contribute to enhancing overall quality of life through reliable and secure connectivity infrastructure. This is a full-time opportunity for a self-driven individual ready to tackle complex mechanical engineering problems.

Key facts

What you'll do

Investigate mechanical failure modes and develop robust mitigation strategies for antenna deployment mechanisms in LEO conditions.

Evaluate and specify advanced composite materials and substrates to ensure structural integrity while minimizing mass.

Model complex antenna deployment sequences using custom scripts to validate performance against mission requirements.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical design with RF electronics and thermal management systems.

Develop detailed engineering drawings and assembly instructions that support high-volume manufacturing in a space-qualified flow.

Conduct physical testing and analysis to verify that antenna structures survive launch vibrations and orbital thermal cycling.

Partner with manufacturing suppliers to prototype parts, refine processes, and scale production for satellite constellations.

Analyze mechanical interfaces between the antenna payload and the satellite bus to optimize integration and reduce risk.

Implement design controls and verification protocols to maintain traceability from concept drawings to flight hardware.

Champion continuous improvement by documenting lessons learned and applying them to future generations of space antenna systems.

Perform root cause investigations for any anomalies observed during testing or early orbit operations to drive corrective actions.

Leverage model-based systems engineering approaches to ensure mechanical designs align with system-level performance goals.

Support the development of test fixtures and bench equipment that validate antenna functionality under simulated space conditions.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident due to ITAR and EAR regulations governing space technology exports.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance at the Secret level or higher.

Must have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.

Must possess a minimum of eight years of progressive experience in mechanical design for space or aerospace applications.

Must demonstrate hands-on experience with antenna structures, deployable mechanisms, or space-qualified mechanical hardware.

Must be proficient in using CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, or CATIA for complex mechanical assemblies.

Must have experience with finite element analysis and tolerance stack-up analysis for mechanical systems.

Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative development environment with evolving requirements.

Nice to have

Experience with additive manufacturing processes and advanced composite layup techniques for space hardware.

Knowledge of space mission design, LEO orbital mechanics, and payload integration practices.

Familiarity with space qualification standards such as MIL-STD-883 or ECSS-Q-ST-70-40C.

Experience with surface mount technology and printed circuit board mechanical design for RF applications.

Practical notes

This role is based in Saratoga, California, with the possibility of relocation to Texas sites.

Some travel between Espace locations may be required to support project milestones and testing campaigns.

The position requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and the ability to obtain a government security clearance.

Candidates must be fully vaccinated in accordance with Espace policies where applicable.

Work authorization must be available immediately to begin employment without delay.

This role is full-time and eligible for benefits after meeting standard Espace eligibility criteria.