Demo

Lead Mechanical Engineer, Structures

Astrolab
Hawthorne, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/23/2026

Description


Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.

As a Lead Structures Engineer, you and your team will design, develop, test, and operate planetary rovers and related hardware. You will be responsible for producing high-performance designs for challenging environments, with cradle-to-grave accountability. You will have the opportunity to develop and mentor other engineers while working on novel, complex mechanical systems.


What you'll do:


  • Work with leadership and design counterparts to define Astrolab best practices for structures design, analysis, and test
  • Design mechanical and thermal platforms at the architectural level
  • Build tools and infrastructure to make your team and the company more efficient
  • Set team priorities and manage progress through various program phases
  • Develop and train structures engineers

What you'll bring:


  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering
  • 5 years of experience in a design role at an aerospace company
  • Experience with structural design principles, finite element analysis methods, structural test design
  • Experience developing hardware to meet space industry design standards and best practices
  • Proven experience leading a team through a design program start-to-finish
  • Ability to mentor and develop more junior engineers, contractors, and interns to build an effective design team
Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Applicable advanced degree
  • Proven experience operating to meet schedule targets in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience with NASA technical standards for design, analysis, and test
  • Experience with structural dynamics analysis and test methods
  • Experience with thermal analysis methods and tools


Benefits and Perks


  • Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
  • Equity ownership in the company
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO and parental leave
  • Home office set up reimbursement
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

About Astrolab

Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we…
Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.

Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life.

Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.

Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.

Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.

Salary.com Estimation for Lead Mechanical Engineer, Structures in Hawthorne, CA
$113,348 to $136,613
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Lead Mechanical Engineer, Structures?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Lead Mechanical Engineer, Structures career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$108,186 - $133,193
Income Estimation: 
$134,236 - $174,128
Income Estimation: 
$132,162 - $161,329
Income Estimation: 
$106,299 - $135,354
Income Estimation: 
$134,236 - $174,128
Income Estimation: 
$132,162 - $161,329
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Astrolab

  • Astrolab Hawthorne, CA
  • Department: Software Engineering Location: Hawthorne, California Compensation: $132,000 - $209,000 / year Description Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is ... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Astrolab Hawthorne, CA
  • Department: Software Engineering Location: Hawthorne, California Compensation: $142,000 - $235,000 / year Description Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is ... more
  • 5 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Lead Mechanical Engineer, Structures jobs in the Hawthorne, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Radiant El Segundo, CA
  • Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and develop critical structures within Kaleidos. You will solve unique challenge... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Stealth Mode Gardena, CA
  • About The Company We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in Gardena, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockhee... more
  • 7 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!