SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
CesiumAstro is seeking a Principal Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II to lead the mechanical engineering team responsible for spacecraft design, subsystems, and interfaces across all development phases. This is a hands-on leadership role in a dynamic startup environment focused on developing cutting-edge communication systems for satellites, UAVs, and launch vehicles.
You will manage a small team of mechanical engineers and serve as the responsible mechanical authority for satellite development. Your responsibilities include directing and mentoring engineers in the design of novel satellites, managing all aspects of mechanical design from concept through space flight operations. This encompasses requirements definition, architecture trades, block diagrams, structural and thermal analysis, manufacturing oversight, assembly, environmental testing, qualification, and in-orbit support.
Key technical areas include mechanical design, electronics packaging, CAD proficiency, mechanical interfaces, thermal architecture, deployable and actuated structures, and environmental qualification of spacecraft. You will collaborate closely with guidance/navigation/control (GNC), electrical power systems (EPS), command/data handling (CDH), payload, RF, systems engineering, and assembly/integration/test (AI&T) teams.
Beyond engineering, you will present design review materials to customers and executive leadership, participate in proposal development, and communicate complex technical concepts effectively. The ideal candidate is versatile, proficient across multiple mechanical disciplines, and experienced in leading teams through the full spacecraft development lifecycle in a startup or fast-paced environment.
Note: U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status required per ITAR/export control regulations.
