Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer

Job description

**Position Details:** - Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA - Employment Type: Full-time - Department: Starmine - Travel: Occasional **The Mission** Starpath Robotics is developing a full-stack solution for commercial scale rocket propellant production on the Moon and Mars. We are building one of the key enabling technologies that will make humans a multi-planet species. If high ownership, fast pace, working with hardware, and solving challenging technical problems sound like a dream come true, come join the team! **Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer** In this role, you will be responsible for the development of critical mechanical systems on Starpath’s Rover platform. Depending on your prior work experience, you may work on a variety of systems, such as: (1) low-cost, high-reliability electromechanical actuators, (2) various structures and passive mechanisms, or (3) thermal control systems and autonomy hardware integration. You will own these systems from developing design requirements through to flight. **Responsibilities:** - Own architectures, systems, subsystems, and components from requirements to deployment - Conduct trade studies and perform first-order calculations to define system requirements - Determine qualification testing criteria in accordance with spaceflight testing standards - Validate subsystems & components via testing in a simulated launch/Lunar environments - Work cross-functionally with adjacent teams to incorporate electrical/thermal/software requirements while meeting integration timeless and system milestones - Identify & action high-level improvements to program operation and direction **Required Qualifications:** - B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline - 5+ years of experience developing hardware systems for space applications - Experience with CAD (NX, Catia, SolidWorks, etc) and analysis (ANSYS, ABAQUS, etc) tools - Working knowledge of engineering materials, manufacturing processes, and structural analysis - Strong technical communication and the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment **Preferred Qualifications:** - Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineer, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field - 10+ years of experience developing hardware systems for space applications - Track record of owning spaceflight hardware across the entire product lifecycle (design, analysis, qualification, and operation) - Extensive experience with one of the following: - Space-grade electromechanical rotary actuators and drive systems - Space mechanisms (passive, flexures, deployables, etc) - Rigid body dynamics and/or vibration analysis - Experience running shock, vibration, thermal, and other environmental qualification campaigns **EAR Requirements:** - To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. **Equal Opportunity:** - Starpath is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. **Benefits:** At Starpath Robotics, base pay is just one part of your total rewards package. We also offer: - Generous benefits including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans. - Paid time off, holidays, and flexible policies to support balance. - Professional growth opportunities through training and development. - The chance to own high-impact work that directly shapes the future of robotics & space! - A collaborative, mission-driven culture where craftsmanship and innovation are celebrated.