Jun 10, 2024
Responsibilities:
Design, analyze, procure, assemble, and test satellite structures, mechanisms, and solar arrays.
Identify loads, interface, and functional requirements at the component- and systems-level.
Select materials and mechanical components suitable for space environments.
Incorporate design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) features.
Contribute to and help define high-level spacecraft architecture.
Collaborate with the electrical engineering team to successfully integrate avionics and wiring harnesses.
Perform mechanical and/or thermal analysis of spacecraft systems.
Generate manufacturing drawings, manage BOMs, and source components.
Participate in hands-on prototyping, building and testing of spacecraft components.
Assist in the development sub-assembly and vehicle level environmental test plans (launch vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.).
Design ground support equipment including assembly jigs, test fixtures, and mass offload systems.
Collaborate with other engineering teams for successful vehicle integration.
Assist in the expansion and improvement of Samara manufacturing, environmental test, and vehicle integration facilities.
Identify ways to improve operational efficiency.
Qualifications
BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
3+ years of spacecraft mechanical design and integration (or equivalent) experience.
Proficiency in computer aided design (CAD) software of choice, NX preferred.
Experience with structural and thermal hand calculations and analysis (FEA experience preferred but not required).
Experience with design and fabrication of composite and/or metallic components.
Ability to generate engineering drawings with sufficient GD&T to effectively communicate design and manufacturing intent.
Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and schematics.
Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and be self-motivated while working in a dynamic environment.
Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
Preferred
Experience with spacecraft environmental testing (launch vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.).
A passion for hands-on hardware development in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with composite structures.
Proficiency in NX.
Experience with Thermal Desktop and/or NX Nastran
Machine shop prototyping and fabrication experience (CNC mill/router, mill, lathe, laser cutter, 3D printer, hand tools).
Experience in Python or other programming languages.
Salary and Benefits
Pay range: $130,000-150,000 annually to start
Early and competitive equity in a rapidly growing startup
Platinum-level healthcare, vision, dental, and life insurance covered 100% for you
Partial dependent coverage available
401k matching at 4% (no vesting)
Unlimited PTO and sick time
17 paid Holidays (including a “Winter Break” Dec. 24-Jan 1)
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you’re excited about this opportunity to jobs@samaraaerospace.com. Please make the subject line "Engineering - [position], [name]".
About Us:
Samara Aerospace is revolutionizing satellite design by addressing the challenges of deploying and managing large satellite constellations. Our innovative Hummingbird spacecraft bus offers a modular and scalable platform that streamlines satellite production and deployment, significantly reducing launch costs. Hummingbird's compact architecture maximizes launch capacity, making it the most efficient and agile spacecraft in the industry. At the core of our technology is the patented Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC) system. Unlike traditional wheel-based pointing control systems, MSAC utilizes actuators embedded in the hinges of deployable solar panels to provide 3-axis attitude control and active jitter cancellation. This design eliminates the need for spinning wheels, reducing mass and potential points of failure, while enhancing pointing precision.