Structural & Mechanical Engineer — Spacecraft Structures

Job overview

The Structural & Mechanical Engineer — Spacecraft Structures role is fully onsite in Los Angeles, CA, five days per week; compensation is not specified. The engineer will support a client developing satellites for an orbital data center, with a pathfinder mission targeted for 2027. The role owns spacecraft primary structure and deployable mechanisms from early architecture through design release and build support. It contributes to mission readiness by leading structural analysis and verification, coordinating with manufacturing partners, and developing and testing spacecraft structures and mechanisms.

What you'll do

• Own mechanical and structural design from architecture through detailed design, release, and build support
• lead structural analysis and verification, including FEA, static loads, modal analysis, random vibration, and fatigue
• design deployable structures and mechanisms
• coordinate with contract manufacturers and suppliers on design-for-manufacturing reviews, tooling, build planning, and nonconformance resolution
• define subsystem requirements, interfaces, and test plans
• select materials and shielding approaches
• troubleshoot, prototype, validate, and document outcomes.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

structural engineer

mechanical engineer

spacecraft structures

los angeles ca

octagon talent

onsite

five days per week

structural fea

deployable mechanisms

launch loads

spacecraft

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Why this role

Founding-level ownership of spacecraft primary structure and deployable mechanisms, supporting a pathfinder mission targeted for 2027.

About the employer

Octagon Talent is hiring for this role. Industry: Engineering Services. Sector: 54.