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Salary: USD 144,000 - 186,000 / annual
Orbit Fab is building the foundational infrastructure for an in-space economy through Gas Stations in Space™ and RAFTI™ refueling technology. The company enables satellites to be refueled in orbit, unlocking new operational strategies and extended lifespans. Since 2018, Orbit Fab has successfully launched three tankers to space and operates offices in the US and UK.
As Mechanical Engineering Manager, you will lead the mechanical engineering team through multiple concurrent projects, from concept design to flight-ready hardware delivery. This is a player-coach role with 50–75% leadership responsibilities and 25–50% individual contributor work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the mechanical team through concurrent projects, meeting deadlines and managing priorities
- Delegate effectively, matching tasks to team members' skills, interests, and growth paths
- Guide process development and adherence for the mechanical engineering team
- Review mechanical system architecture and interfaces with mission-critical products
- Support analysis for hardware performance, life, and environmental requirements
- Support assembly and test activities including performance, shock, vibration, and space environment testing
- Review engineering drawings for ASME Y14.5 compliance and drafting best practices
- Identify and mitigate technical roadblocks proactively
- Deliver presentations to the team and hold weekly one-on-ones with mentorship
- Own design and analysis of spacecraft systems, structures, MGSE, and mechanisms; develop CAD models and documentation
- Provide subject-matter expertise in spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements, verification, and validation
The role requires hybrid work (3–5 days per week on-site) in Lafayette, CO.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
- 7+ years of experience in design, fabrication, and/or test for mechanical systems
- Proven leadership experience as a responsible engineer, project lead, or team manager
- Proficiency in CAD and analysis tools; hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems
- Experience with mechanism design (gears, ball screws, motor sizing, vibration & shock analysis)
- Experience taking products from concept to operation
- Knowledge of space-rated materials and design trade-offs
- Ability to work autonomously with a critical eye
- Effective sense of urgency and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced startup environment
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, strategic, statistical, and personal skills
- Must be willing and able to work hybrid schedule (3–5 days per week on-site) in Lafayette, CO
Nice to Have:
- 10+ years of experience in design, development, and/or test for mechanical systems
- 2+ years of team management experience
- Experience with Ansys and MATLAB
- Experience with spacecraft or launch vehicle operations
- Advanced degree in engineering or related field
- Working knowledge of range safety requirements (AFSPCMAN 91-710)
- Understanding of qualification, acceptance, and protoqualification verification approaches
- Experience with spacecraft and subsystem environment definition (radiation, structural loads, thermal, EMI/EMC, orbital debris) and design approaches at LEO, GEO, and beyond
- Experience in a startup environment
- General understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes (machining, welding)
