Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Back to Careers Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Satellite & Payload Systems Seattle, WA Full-Time Engineering Division Apply Now

About this role

Pulse Space Inc. develops advanced photonics and high-power laser systems for industrial, defense, and scientific applications. Our team drives innovation in kW-class fiber laser architectures, beam combining techniques, and next-generation directed-energy platforms.

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and integration of mechanical systems for our satellite platforms and laser payloads. This role requires both creative problem-solving and rigorous engineering discipline — you will develop hardware from initial concept through qualification testing and flight production. You will collaborate with optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineers to deliver space-qualified mechanical systems that enable our mission-critical payloads.

In this role, you will

Design satellite structural assemblies, payload housings, and precision optomechanical mounts using CREO or equivalent 3D CAD software

Perform structural analysis (static, dynamic, modal) and thermal analysis to ensure designs meet launch loads, on-orbit environments, and operational requirements

Design deployable mechanisms and articulation assemblies with emphasis on reliability, mass efficiency, and performance in the space environment

Develop thermal management architectures including conductive paths, radiators, heat pipes, and interface designs to maintain optical and electronic components within operating limits

Apply GD&T principles to drawings and models to ensure manufacturability, inspectability, and assembly tolerance stack-up closure

Drive design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) — optimize part count, standardize fasteners, reduce process complexity, and enable high-rate production

Select materials, coatings, and surface treatments appropriate for space environments: outgassing requirements, thermal cycling, radiation exposure, and micrometeorite resistance

Build and execute qualification test plans: vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and functional performance testing to validate designs against requirements

Work closely with optical engineers to design kinematic mounts, alignment features, and optomechanical interfaces that maintain beam quality and pointing accuracy

Support integration and test activities, troubleshoot hardware issues, and implement design improvements based on test data and on-orbit performance

What you bring

B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related discipline

5+ years of hands-on experience designing mechanical systems for space, defense, or high-reliability applications

Proficiency in 3D CAD software (CREO strongly preferred; NX, SolidWorks, or similar also considered)

Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals: stress analysis, fatigue, fracture mechanics, heat transfer, and dynamics

Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools for structural and thermal simulation (e.g., Ansys, Nastran, Abaqus, or equivalent)

Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5

Familiarity with space environment constraints: vacuum, thermal cycling, radiation, launch loads, and material compatibility

Demonstrated ability to own hardware from concept through production, including design trades, analysis, testing, and documentation

Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams

What will set you apart

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Experience designing flight hardware for space vehicles or satellite payloads that have flown or been qualified for flight

Hands-on experience with precision optomechanical systems: kinematic mounts, athermalization techniques, alignment methods, and stability requirements

Background in deployable mechanisms (solar arrays, antennas, booms) or pointing/articulation systems (gimbals, scan mirrors, reaction wheels)

Knowledge of composite materials, laminate analysis, and composite manufacturing processes

Experience with thermal control design: heat pipes, phase-change devices, MLI blankets, radiator sizing, and thermal interface materials

Familiarity with additive manufacturing (DMLS, SLM) for space applications and design for additive manufacturing principles

Track record of taking hardware from early prototypes to high-rate production in aerospace or defense programs

Experience with scripting or programming (Python, MATLAB) for design automation, parametric studies, or data analysis

Active U.S. security clearance or eligibility to obtain one is a plus

What we offer

Competitive salary and equity participation commensurate with experience

Comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match

The chance to work on state-of-the-art laser systems with tangible real-world impact

A collaborative, fast-paced R&D culture that values technical excellence

Professional development support including conference travel and continuing education

Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Apply Now