Satellite Mechanical Engineer (blanket)
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Level
Mid-Level
Department
Aerospace & Space
Type
Salary
$100,000 - $140,000
Job Description
Posted on:
2026-05-06
Responsibilities
- Take flexible photovoltaic array (PVA) blanket assemblies from conceptual, qualification, through to on-orbit operations supporting internal and external customer needs.
- Lead PVA blanket subsystem design reviews covering power and mechanical requirements from kickoff through qualification and beyond.
- Drive hardware development through hands-on prototyping, development testing, analysis correlation, and design iterations.
- Perform trade studies on blanket construction, including substrate materials and lamination methods.
- Develop and execute component and assembly-level test programs, including qualification testing.
- Apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles to blanket fabrication processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish product requirements and best practices for blanket design.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or relevant engineering discipline.
- 2+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis.
- Experience with CAD or FEA software packages.
- Familiarity with photovoltaic cell handling and lamination techniques for flexible substrates.
- Understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments.
- Experience with the practical application of GD&T.
- Python or MATLAB proficiency for test data reduction and analysis.
