SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
CesiumAstro is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join its Mechanical Engineering team. The company develops advanced communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms.
In this role, you will lead mechanical design aspects of Cesium phased array antennas, subsystems, and interfaces across all development phases—from concept through space flight. You will own requirements definition, architecture trades and block diagrams, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, and in-orbit support. Your expertise will span mechanical analysis, electronics packaging, CAD, mechanical interfaces, thermal architecture, spacecraft propulsion, deployable and actuated structures, and environmental qualification of spacecraft antennas and payloads.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting architectural trade studies with parametric and first-order cost/physical analysis
- Performing detailed mechanical design using 3D CAD and generating engineering drawings
- Designing and manufacturing mechanisms and mechanical actuators
- Implementing EMI/EMC mitigation techniques
- Developing satellite thermal architectures and orbital thermal control strategies
- Presenting engineering design review materials to customers and executive leadership
- Participating in proposal-writing efforts
- Providing in-orbit support and troubleshooting
You will work in a dynamic, cross-functional startup environment with hands-on, autonomous work. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, as you will interface regularly with customers and leadership.
Note: U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status is required to comply with U.S. Government Space Technology Export Regulations.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited institution
- Minimum 8 years of experience in space antenna and payload mechanical engineering, including electronics packaging, thermal, shock, vibration, stress dynamics, and cost analysis (Master's degree may count as 2 years)
- Experience conducting architectural trade studies with parametric and first-order cost/physical analysis
- Proficiency with professional mechanical and FEA CAD tools (Ansys Mechanical, SolidWorks Simulation, Thermal Desktop)
- Experience with CNC manufacturing and GD&T
- Experience with advanced aerospace manufacturing and materials (sandwich panels, carbon composites) OR high-reliability deployment mechanisms for space applications (deployment, HDRMs, power delivery)
- Proficiency in detailed mechanical design (3D CAD, drawings)
- Experience designing and manufacturing mechanisms and mechanical actuators
- Experience with EMI/EMC mitigation techniques
- Familiarity with satellite thermal architectures (heat pipes, phase change materials, contact resistance, surface finishes) and LEO orbital thermal control
- Familiarity with launch and LEO environments (thermal, shock, vibration, radiation)
- Familiarity with design for test, manufacturability, assembly, and reliability
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Python, C++, or other programming languages
- Experience with large, deployable antenna arrays
- Robotics and control systems experience
- PCBA experience
