Staff Mechanical Engineer - Terran Orbital

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Staff Mechanical Engineer  to join our growing team. Reporting to the   Integrated Product Team Lead – Reaction Wheels the Staff Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for the design and development, analysis, prototype and qualification Reaction Wheel components and modules capable of withstanding launch vehicle and space environments. Associated design efforts will include mass optimization, vibration attenuation, tuned thermal properties, and passive or active thermal control accommodations, manufacturability, and assembly.  The Staff Mechanical Engineer works closely with structural, thermal, electrical, system and manufacturing disciplines to meet design, manufacturing, and operational requirements. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and lead the design, development, optimization, and implementation of a portfolio of components and sub-system modules ranging in complexity. 
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including electrical, thermal, and structural engineers to integrate reaction wheel assemblies into various spacecraft platforms.  
• Reduce risk through identification of constraining design elements providing mitigative recommendations for all development stages from design through final integration.
• Utilize the full spectrum of design, analysis, test, and manufacturing best practices to create efficient component and Spacecraft modules.
• Use established analytical methodologies and Computer Aided Design to ensure mechanical and structural designs will meet or exceed internal and external customer requirements. 
• Review design analyses, models, drawings, and associated component and module design documentation for workmanship and accuracy
• Generate and maintain detailed component and assembly drawings associated documentation including specifications, work instructions and operating procedures.
• Leverage first principles as well as rotor-dynamic modal and harmonic and unbalance analysis to evaluate overall module performance and operating trends under various operating conditions. 
• Perform module assembly tolerance stack ups, bearing stress & life analysis.
• Lead design reviews and provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers on Industry Best Practices and direction to project teams on module designs.
• Develop test plans and procedures for validation and qualification testing of reaction wheel assemblies, including vibration, thermal, and endurance testing.
• Stay current with advancements in rotor-dynamics, mechanical engineering, and satellite technology to incorporate innovative solutions into reaction wheel designs.
• Develop and provide design timelines and cost estimates for new programs. 
• This includes test plans through development, qualification, characterization, and acceptance testing, including but not limited to environmental, vibration, shock, acceleration, life, and endurance test.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical or Structural Engineering or equivalent technical discipline  
• 8+ years of related experience working on the design of complex mechanisms.
• Proficient in structural & rotordynamic analyses and techniques utilized in aerospace related applications.
• Experience with vibration (random, sine, SRS) and static load testing of components and complex systems, along with data acquisition/ processing.
• Proficient in the interpretation and application of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
• Proficiency with Computer Aided Design tools
• Experience conducting technical peer reviews and providing constructive feedback. 
• Detail oriented, ability to identify design/manufacturing/procurement issues
• Ability to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary team environment
• Able to effectively work on multiple projects running in parallel
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Additional Differentiators

• Proficient working with SolidWorks and EPDM
• Advanced knowledge within a defined area of mechanical design and/or study
• Proficient in the use of shop tools, inspection methods and equipment.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, and testing from an aerospace focused industry.

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Salary Range $120,000-$160,000 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag! 

About Terran Orbital 

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com 

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.  

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.