Lead Mechanical Engineer – Launch Operations
Job Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer – Launch Operations
Job Description: This role leads all mechanical integration activities at the launch site, serving as the primary on‑site mechanical authority throughout the launch campaign. The Lead Mechanical Engineer – Launch Operations defines and executes the mechanical integration strategy, ensures mechanical readiness of satellites and launch adapters, and drives risk mitigation for flight hardware and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE). The position bridges design, manufacturing, and launch operations while providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers and technicians, and coordinating with internal and external partners to ensure safe, efficient, and flawless launch execution.
Responsibilities
- Own and lead all mechanical integration efforts at the launch site, ensuring satellites and launch adapters are flight‑ready and fully certified for launch.
- Define, document, and execute the mechanical integration strategy, including sequencing of operations and risk mitigation throughout launch campaigns.
- Lead the design, qualification, commissioning, and deployment of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) required for launch operations.
- Serve as the primary technical authority for mechanical issues during integration, testing, and launch operations, making timely decisions to protect schedule and mission success.
- Coordinate mechanical activities with systems engineering, integration teams, test operations, launch vehicle providers, and range operations to ensure smooth end‑to‑end execution.
- Review and approve mechanical procedures, work instructions, and non‑conformance dispositions to ensure safety, compliance, and configuration control.
- Provide technical mentorship, guidance, and task leadership to mechanical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of ownership and continuous learning.
- Drive continuous improvement across mechanical processes, tooling, and launch site operational workflows to increase reliability, efficiency, and safety.
- Ensure precise interface management and GD&T compliance for flight hardware and MGSE throughout design, integration, and launch.
- Champion adherence to aerospace mechanical standards, safety protocols, and configuration control practices in all mechanical activities.
- Collaborate closely with launch vehicle providers and external partners to resolve interface issues and align mechanical integration plans with launch requirements.
- Support new product development efforts by feeding launch‑site lessons learned back into mechanical design and integration strategies.
Essential Skills
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in the space industry with a focus on mechanical engineering and space hardware integration.
- Recent experience serving as a lead or responsible engineer during a full launch campaign.
- Demonstrated ownership of hardware or subsystem integration from design through launch, including hands‑on launch base or cleanroom activities.
- Advanced experience in mechanical engineering with extensive space hardware integration and MGSE experience.
- Demonstrated experience as a technical or subsystem lead in launch base or cleanroom environments.
- Experience working directly with launch vehicle providers and external partners on mechanical integration topics.
- Experience leading small teams or directing cross‑functional integration efforts in a high‑reliability environment.
- Advanced proficiency in GD&T and precision interface management for aerospace applications.
- High proficiency in CAD tools such as AutoDesk Inventor (preferred), Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or Catia.
- Deep understanding of aerospace mechanical standards, safety protocols, and configuration control practices.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, reporting, and communication.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) design, qualification, and deployment.
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience, including use of FEA tools for structural and thermal analysis.
- Experience with Fusion or equivalent Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools.
- Experience in mechanical design for launch vehicles, satellites, or related space systems.
- Experience supporting new product development from concept through launch integration.
- Strong familiarity with configuration‑controlled documentation, including procedures, work instructions, and non‑conformance records.
- Ability to mentor and develop engineers and technicians in a fast‑paced launch environment.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross‑functional teams and external partners.
Work Environment
This role operates primarily at launch and integration facilities, with a significant portion of time spent at a satellite production and launch preparation site in Midland, Texas. The Lead Mechanical Engineer can expect to spend approximately 30–50% of their time in Midland, supporting the build, integration, and loading of satellites, with a typical cadence of building around six satellites per month and coordinating multiple shipments. The position involves an initial period of about two weeks on‑site in Midland to help build and establish the local team, followed by regular monthly trips to support ongoing launch campaigns and integration activities. Work is performed in a mix of office, cleanroom, and launch base environments, using CAD tools, FEA tools, PDM/PLM systems, and standard productivity software. The environment emphasizes adherence to aerospace mechanical standards, safety protocols, and configuration control, with frequent interaction with launch vehicle providers, integration teams, and test operations personnel.
Job Type & Location
Permanent position based out of Cape Canaveral, FL.
Pay and Benefits
- Annual salary: $140,000 – $160,000.
- Stock ownership: 5,000 ISUs.
- Health Plans: Base, Buy‑Up, and HDHP through BCBS; Dental and Vision through BCBS.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) available; $250 annual employer contribution.
- Life Benefits through Principal: Basic Life/AD&D up to $250,000; Voluntary life/AD&D available.
- Disability Benefits through Principal: Short‑term Disability 60% up to $2,500 per week; Long‑term Disability 60% up to $10,000 per month.
- Retirement 401(k) via Fidelity: 3 % automatic enrollment after 60 days.
- EAP, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident coverage through Principal.
- Family‑building and fertility benefits through Kindbody via Bennie.
- Tenant discount program through PerkSpot with many exclusive discounts.
Workplace Type
Hybrid position in Cape Canaveral, FL.
Application Deadline
Position anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any characteristic protected by law.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
