Posted today
Secret
$85,000 - $100,000
Unspecified
IT - QA and Test
TX (On-Site/Office)
Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer (AIT) to join a high-impact team supporting the design, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft mechanisms for a next-generation satellite constellation. This role is hands-on and mission-critical, focused on deployment systems and precision mechanisms rather than static structures.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation:
Keywords:
Mechanisms Engineer, AIT, Aerospace, Satellite Integration, CAD, Creo, SolidWorks, Thermal Vacuum Testing, Vibration Testing, Ground Support Equipment, Test Engineering, Spacecraft, CubeSat, Launch Operations, Agile, Manufacturing, SpaceTech
Key Responsibilities:
- Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft mechanisms including hinges, yokes, actuators, HDRMs, and deployable booms/arms with thousands of moving parts per satellite.
- Develop and operate ground support equipment for vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum testing of deployment hardware.
- Perform tolerance stack-up analysis and ensure alignment in moving assemblies for reliable deployment.
- Analyze test data and determine pass/fail criteria, supporting spacecraft integration and launch operations.
- Troubleshoot anomalies and perform root-cause analysis on deployment systems; contribute to design improvements for mechanisms that fail to deploy cleanly.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers and technicians to ensure mechanism performance from design through mission deployment.
- Calculate torque margins and hinge preload requirements for deployment actuators and separation systems.
Qualifications:
- 0-4 years of hands-on experience in aerospace mechanisms, deployment systems, or precision mechanical assemblies (structures-only experience will not suffice).
- Proficiency in mechanical assembly, testing, and integration of space hardware, including deployable systems.
- Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo) and test equipment (oscilloscopes, thermal chambers).
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- Strong understanding of beam loading, bending moments, torque margins, and tolerance stack-ups in moving assemblies.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; ability to lead failure investigations.
- Flexibility for occasional weekend and early morning work (e.g., 4 AM deployments).
Compensation:
- Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000+ depending on experience
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays
- Additional Benefits: Relocation assistance, RSUs, Meal Stipend, and Unlimited PTO (after 90 days)
- Must be eligible to work in the United States and pass a background check
- Location: 100% onsite in West Texas
Keywords:
Mechanisms Engineer, AIT, Aerospace, Satellite Integration, CAD, Creo, SolidWorks, Thermal Vacuum Testing, Vibration Testing, Ground Support Equipment, Test Engineering, Spacecraft, CubeSat, Launch Operations, Agile, Manufacturing, SpaceTech
group id: 10430981
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