Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Manager
Job Description
This role focuses on the design, analysis, and documentation of spacecraft mechanical systems, including structures, mechanisms, and mission-critical hardware that will operate in space. You will lead a small team of engineers and designers, contribute to key elements of the system architecture, and support the full lifecycle from concept and design through assembly, testing, and flight. The position sits in a fast-paced startup environment where you help build innovative on-orbit refueling capabilities and directly influence hardware that will fly in space.
Responsibilities
Design and draft spacecraft mechanical components and assemblies, including structures, MGSE (mechanical ground support equipment), actuators, and mechanisms.
Develop detailed parts designs that meet performance, reliability, and environmental requirements for space applications.
Perform analyses required to satisfy internal requirements for hardware performance, operational life, and environmental conditions, including launch and on-orbit environments.
Create, maintain, and manage 3D models and design documentation of mechanical systems using CAD tools, with a focus on SolidWorks.
Apply GD&T principles to ensure clear, precise, and manufacturable mechanical drawings and documentation.
Support assembly and integration activities, including mechanical build, alignment, and fit checks for spacecraft hardware and MGSE.
Support and participate in testing of mechanical systems, including performance, shock, vibration, and other space-relevant environmental tests.
Troubleshoot mechanical issues discovered during assembly and testing and drive resolution through design updates or process improvements.
Lead and manage a team of 3-5 engineers and designers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and day-to-day direction.
Collaborate closely with program managers to develop and maintain schedules, manage budgets, and align mechanical engineering activities with overall program timelines.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure mechanical designs integrate effectively with other subsystems and meet overall system architecture needs.
Contribute to continuous improvement in design practices, documentation standards, and test methodologies within the mechanical engineering team.
Essential Skills
Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, mechanical design, and creation of detailed drawings.
Strong experience in mechanism design, including actuators and other moving mechanical assemblies for complex systems.
Hands-on experience with GD&T, including creating and interpreting geometric dimensioning and tolerancing on mechanical drawings.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and guide a small team of engineers and designers.
Experience designing mechanical systems for high-performance, high-reliability environments, ideally including shock, vibration, and thermal considerations.
Ability to perform or interpret mechanical analyses to verify hardware performance, life, and environmental compatibility.
Strong communication skills to work effectively with program managers and cross-functional engineering teams.
Aerospace experience preferred, particularly in spacecraft, space structures, or related space hardware.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Background in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience with mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE) design and integration.
Familiarity with testing in shock, vibration, and other environmental conditions relevant to launch and space.
Experience working in a fast-paced startup or similarly dynamic environment.
Interest in or experience with on-orbit refueling, in-space servicing, or related space technologies.
Ability to thrive in a culture that embraces experimentation, learning from failures, and rapid iteration.
Work Environment
You will join a close-knit team of approximately four engineers working in an open workspace where collaboration and direct communication are encouraged. Leadership sits alongside the engineering team, reinforcing a hands-on, accessible culture.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lafayette, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $72.11/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Lafayette,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
