Engineering
Mechanical Engineer Long Beach, CA Posted: 5/1/2026
Job Description
Job ID#:
217617
Job Category:
Engineering
Position Type:
Associate - W2
Duration:
TTH
Positions Available:
5
PDS is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join a leading Company located in the Long Beach, CA or Centennial, CO surrounding area.
Pay Rate: $50.00 - $70.00
**US Citizenship is required.
Candidate must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.**
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be at the forefront of designing and developing the next generation of spacecraft that define the future of space security and sustainability. From LEO/GEO satellites to small sat platforms and on-orbit servicing vehicles, you will own the mechanical design of flight systems that operate in some of the most demanding environments known to engineering. This is a rare opportunity to shape vehicle architecture from the ground up - translating mission requirements into flight-ready hardware that safeguards access to space for the U.S. and its allies.
Job Responsibilities:
Support the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical structures, mechanisms, and assemblies for LEO/GEO satellites, small sat platforms, and on-orbit servicing vehicles, ensuring designs meet performance, mass, and reliability requirements.
Assist in the development of spacecraft structural systems from concept and trade studies through prototyping and flight hardware delivery, under the guidance of senior engineers.
Support the design of primary and secondary structures for launch load environments, including sine burst, random vibration, and shock, in compliance with launch vehicle ICD requirements.
Contribute to the design of spacecraft mechanisms and deployment systems, including hinges, hold-down and release mechanisms, and other moving assemblies intended for on-orbit operation.
Assist in the packaging and integration of electronics assemblies and avionics hardware within the spacecraft structure, with consideration for thermal interfaces, harness routing, and accessibility during integration and test.
Support propulsion system mechanical integration efforts, including structural mounting, thruster bracket design, and propellant line routing.
Develop and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and drawings for spacecraft components, subsystems, and assemblies using NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
Create accurate piece partand assembly drawings with proper application of GD&T standards.
Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) by preparing technical documentation, design rationales, and interface control documents.
Assist in the development and execution of structural and mechanisms test plans to support hardware qualification and acceptance activities.
Work within configuration management systems and PLM/MES tools to maintain design integrity and documentation traceability.
Basic Hiring Criteria:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
1-4 years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably within aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
Exposure to or coursework in spacecraft or satellite systems, including structural design, mechanisms, or space environment considerations.
Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling and drawing creation in NX (Siemens) and/or SolidWorks.
Working knowledge of GD&T principles and their application to piece part and assembly drawings.
Familiarity with structural and mechanical design principles, including load paths, joints, and materials selection relevant to launch and on-orbit environments.
Exposure to mechanisms design, including hinges, deployment systems, actuators, or other moving assemblies.
Familiarity with electronics packaging concepts, including thermal interface materials, harness routing, and avionics integration constraints.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience designing hardware for space or flight environments, including considerations for launch loads, thermal cycling, vacuum outgassing, and radiation.
Familiarity with smallsat or CubeSat platforms, including COTS component integration and mass-constrained design.
Exposure to on-orbit servicing concepts, proximity operations vehicles, or docking and capture mechanisms.
Familiarity with structural analysis methods or FEA tools (e.g., NASTRAN, Ansys) and ability to interpret results in support of design decisions.
Exposure to propulsion system mechanical integration, including thruster or tank mounting and propellant line routing.
Familiarity with relevant spacecraft and aerospace standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5001, GEVS, AIAA S-110, MIL-SPEC).
Exposure to full hardware lifecycle, from concept and design through fabrication, assembly, and test.
Familiarity with configuration management and PLM tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill) and engineering change processes.
Experience working in a startup or fast-paced environment with compressed development timelines.
Active U.S. security clearance or ability and willingness to obtain one.
This position requires access to technologies and hardware subject to US national security-based export control requirements. All applicants must be US Persons (8 USC 1324b(a)(3)), or otherwise authorized by the U.S. Government. No company sponsorship will be offered.
Benefits offered vary by contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, and affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.
Job Requirements
Minimum Security Clearance:
Secret
Military connected talent encouraged to apply.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
The California Fair Chance Act
Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled
