What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Mechanical Engineer position at Approach Venture?
Senior Mechanical Engineer – Lead Full-Cycle Development of Space Hardware!
Camarillo, CA | On-Site
Opportunity Summary
A growing aerospace technology company is expanding its engineering team to support new space hardware programs across multiple customers. This organization develops high-reliability RF electronics and precision mechanical assemblies for spacecraft, and they are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer who can take full ownership of mechanical design from concept through delivery. This role is hands-on and highly cross-functional, offering the opportunity to work directly with RF, PCB, test, and manufacturing teams while developing flight-ready hardware that operates in demanding launch and orbital environments. You will lead mechanical design, analysis, packaging, and prototyping for components used in mission-critical satellite communication systems. With a high mix of programs and a fast-moving environment, this position offers an ideal combination of established tooling and infrastructure with the agility, ownership, and variety typically seen in startup environments. Engineers here influence every stage of the product lifecycle and directly shape outcomes for active space missions.
About Us
We are a California-based engineering and manufacturing organization that builds advanced hardware for aerospace and defense applications. Our vertically integrated capabilities allow us to design, model, prototype, test, qualify, and assemble products entirely in-house. This structure enables engineers to make rapid design decisions, iterate quickly, and maintain full visibility across the entire production process. With growing program demand and expanding product lines, we continue to invest in new technologies and engineering talent to deliver high-performance space hardware with exceptional reliability.
Job Duties
$100,000 – $155,000
Camarillo, CA | On-Site
Opportunity Summary
A growing aerospace technology company is expanding its engineering team to support new space hardware programs across multiple customers. This organization develops high-reliability RF electronics and precision mechanical assemblies for spacecraft, and they are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer who can take full ownership of mechanical design from concept through delivery. This role is hands-on and highly cross-functional, offering the opportunity to work directly with RF, PCB, test, and manufacturing teams while developing flight-ready hardware that operates in demanding launch and orbital environments. You will lead mechanical design, analysis, packaging, and prototyping for components used in mission-critical satellite communication systems. With a high mix of programs and a fast-moving environment, this position offers an ideal combination of established tooling and infrastructure with the agility, ownership, and variety typically seen in startup environments. Engineers here influence every stage of the product lifecycle and directly shape outcomes for active space missions.
About Us
We are a California-based engineering and manufacturing organization that builds advanced hardware for aerospace and defense applications. Our vertically integrated capabilities allow us to design, model, prototype, test, qualify, and assemble products entirely in-house. This structure enables engineers to make rapid design decisions, iterate quickly, and maintain full visibility across the entire production process. With growing program demand and expanding product lines, we continue to invest in new technologies and engineering talent to deliver high-performance space hardware with exceptional reliability.
Job Duties
- Lead the full lifecycle of mechanical hardware development from initial concept through final delivery
- Perform structural, thermal, vibration, and environmental analyses to ensure components survive launch and operate reliably on orbit
- Own CAD modeling, detailed engineering drawings, and mechanical documentation (SolidWorks preferred)
- Conduct simulations and FEA to validate performance and drive design improvements
- Rapidly prototype mechanisms, packaging concepts, and assemblies in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment
- Collaborate with RF engineers to integrate microwave and high-frequency electronics into robust mechanical housings
- Partner with PCB designers to support assembly layout, thermal strategies, vibration stability, and packaging requirements
- Participate in qualification testing and ensure compliance with aerospace design standards and environmental requirements
- Produce clear documentation and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across mechanical and cross-functional teams
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field
- 5 years of experience in mechanical or electromechanical design and analysis
- Strong background in CAD modeling and FEA (SolidWorks preferred)
- Proficiency in GD&T and engineering drawing best practices
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline
- 8 years of engineering experience in aerospace, preferably supporting electronics packaging or microwave hardware for space applications
- Familiarity with CNC machining, precision fabrication, and low-volume manufacturing workflows
- Experience taking designs through concept, iteration, qualification, and production release
- Proficiency with rapid prototyping methods and short development cycles
- Prior work with microwave assemblies, high-frequency electronics, or mechanical packaging for RF systems
- Experience supporting PCB layout considerations, thermal mitigation, vibration management, and mechanical integration
- Ability to own product designs end-to-end within a dynamic, engineering-driven environment
- Strong role autonomy with exposure to multiple programs and hardware types
- Competitive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust PTO policy and paid company holidays
- 9/80 work schedule supporting work-life balance
- 401(k) program with company match
- Collaborative culture centered on innovation, technical rigor, and continuous improvement
$100,000 – $155,000
Salary : $100,000 - $155,000