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Principal Mechanical Engineer

Jobs via Dice
San Jose, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/29/2026
10k Relocation Bonus

This Jobot Job is hosted by: Christina Finster

Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending us your resume.

Salary: $200,000 - $260,000 per year

A bit about us:

We are partnering with one of the fastest-growing companies in the commercial space industry. Our client is redefining how satellite constellations are designed, built, and deployed by combining cutting-edge spacecraft technology with a mission-driven approach to delivering real-world impact from space.

Founded by industry veterans from leading aerospace and satellite organizations, the company has rapidly grown into a team of over 200 engineers, scientists, and innovators focused on building next-generation space infrastructure. Their technology is already supporting critical missions and helping accelerate the future of Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and space-based intelligence.

This is an opportunity to join a company that is actively designing, building, and launching spacecraft-not simply planning for the future.

Why join us?

Own major spacecraft systems from concept through launch

Help shape the future of satellite constellation development

Work alongside engineers from top aerospace and technology companies

Influence architecture decisions, not just individual components

Join a high-growth company with significant momentum and active flight programs

Competitive compensation and meaningful equity participation

Relocation assistance available

Comprehensive healthcare coverage and generous PTO

If you're looking for a role where your work directly impacts what gets built, tested, launched, and operated in orbit, this is that opportunity.

Job Details

Our client is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced spacecraft mechanical systems. This individual will serve as a technical leader across multiple programs, helping define architecture, guide engineering decisions, mentor team members, and drive spacecraft development from concept through deployment.

This is a highly visible role with broad ownership and significant influence over both technical direction and program execution.

What You'll Do

Lead the design and development of spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and mechanical systems

Drive architecture decisions across spacecraft platforms and payload integrations

Own mechanical system development through the entire product lifecycle

Conduct trade studies and engineering analyses to support design decisions

Support environmental qualification, integration, testing, and launch preparation

Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, systems, and mission engineering teams

Mentor and guide engineers across the organization

Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and technical planning activities

Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure successful production and integration

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline

12 years of professional mechanical engineering experience

Significant experience developing spacecraft, satellites, aerospace vehicles, or other highly complex hardware systems

Expertise in mechanical system design, structures, mechanisms, and integration

Strong CAD Experience (SolidWorks Preferred)

Experience leading hardware development programs from concept through deployment

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability

Proven technical leadership experience

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Experience supporting spacecraft environmental qualification testing

Experience with satellite constellations or commercial space programs

Startup or fast-paced product development experience

Experience mentoring and developing engineering teams

Familiarity with FEA, thermal analysis, and structural analysis tools

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive base salary

Equity/stock option package

Relocation assistance available

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k)

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Flexible work environment

Career growth opportunities within a rapidly scaling organization

Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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Salary : $200,000 - $260,000

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