Sr. Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Join the construction and infrastructure team to build the facilities required to make human life multiplanetary. You will serve as the primary technical authority for HVAC, piping, compressed air, and dust collection systems at the Hawthorne headquarters. In this capacity, you will act as the definitive expert guiding complex system solutions from concept through execution. You will own the technical justification for every major equipment and layout decision impacting the operational environment. The role requires you to translate high-level mission needs into robust, maintainable mechanical infrastructure. You will ensure that the built environment can reliably support critical engineering and manufacturing activities. Your analysis will directly influence the safety and efficiency of facilities handling sensitive hardware. Ultimately, you will be responsible for the long-term operability and performance of essential utility systems.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage fluid and HVAC components across the campus, including pumps, compressors, valves, and heat exchangers.
• Create CAD models and perform detailed designs for facility systems.
• Conduct fluid analysis to determine consumables, pressure balance, and component design limits.
• Coordinate with internal teams like avionics, production, and mission operations to ensure systems meet program requirements.
• Oversee material selection, procurement, and hardware sizing.
• Ensure all designs are reliable and optimized for manufacturing to minimize long-term maintenance.
• Specify and integrate pressure and temperature instrumentation to validate system performance.
• Develop layout strategies for air ducting and mechanical systems to optimize flow and accessibility.
• Apply GD&T and mechanical codes to communicate precise manufacturing instructions.
• Perform structural assessments to confirm integrity under operational and environmental loads.
• Lead projects independently, defining scope, schedule, and technical baselines for complex installations.
• Evaluate new component technologies and standards to drive continuous improvement in facility design.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in an engineering field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience with fluid components such as COPVs, valves, pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, or sensors.
• Ability to work weekends or extended hours as necessary.
• U.S. citizenship, national, permanent resident, asylee, or refugee status to meet ITAR requirements.
• Demonstrated capability to manage multiple technical tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to adhere to strict engineering documentation and change control procedures.
• Capacity to interpret complex specifications and transform them into practical mechanical solutions.
• Compliance with aerospace quality standards and safety protocols for handling critical infrastructure.

Nice to have

• Master degree in an engineering field.
• Practical experience with gas or liquid handling systems.
• Proficiency with test instrumentation, including thermocouples, pressure transducers, relays, and data acquisition hardware.
• Experience with air ducting and HVAC systems.
• Skill in NX or similar CAD software with expertise in GD&T per ASME Y14.5-1994 and tolerance stack-up.
• Background in structural analysis for life, fracture, and strength optimization.
• Familiarity with pressurized or lightweight aerospace structures.
• Ability to manage projects independently.

Practical notes

• Applicants must meet ITAR requirements as a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, asylee, or refugee.
• Compensation includes potential long-term incentives, stock options, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays.
• The position is full-time and requires availability to work weekends or extended hours as necessary for project milestones.
• This role is based in Hawthorne, Canada, and candidates must be authorized to work in that location.
• Travel may be required to support facility construction and integration activities as dictated by project needs.
• No sponsorship for work authorization is available for this role.
• The successful candidate will be expected to integrate seamlessly into a high-performance engineering culture focused on rapid execution and operational excellence.
• This position plays a critical role in enabling the infrastructure necessary for long-duration human presence beyond Earth.