Head Mechanical Engineer

Outpost is at the forefront of space logistics, developing innovative Earth return vehicles that enable safe and efficient payload recovery from space to Earth. By accelerating the transition of industries into orbit, we open new possibilities for space-based manufacturing and global logistics. Our flagship project, the Ferryall spacecraft, is supported by the U.S. Government, with four missions supported over the next four years. We're also developing the Carryall vehicle, designed to return up to 10 tons from space, significantly expanding the scope of what's possible for space-based operations. Founded in 2021 by industry veteran Jason Dunn, and based in Santa Monica, California, our team is committed to advancing space technology and making space accessible to all.

The Team

As Head Mechanical Engineer at Outpost, you will be responsible for all mechanical and structural aspects of Outpost’s Ferryall and Carryall vehicles, from the overall spacecraft structure to Outpost’s innovative heat shield. This position offers the chance to engage in all aspects of spacecraft development, from clean-sheet design and rapid prototyping to full flight/Earth-Return projects, including design, build, integration, and test. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics or related field
• Proven track record of designing, analyzing, and building mechanical systems that have flown in space
• 8+ years of experience designing, analyzing and building mechanical spacecraft systems 
• Work on-site in Santa Monica, CA
• At least 2 years leading one or more mechanical engineers

Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for all aspects and full lifecycle of the design, analysis, construction/procurement, and verification of large spacecraft structural systems.
• Integrate thermal, NASTRAN, full system scale models, run full system analyses 
• Lead a mechanical engineering team and ensure proper management processes including mentoring through advice and coaching
• Work in close partnership with cross-functional teams and management
• Write structural margins using hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA). Present the results in an organized and digestible format.
• Create manufacturing and assembly plans for large scale spacecraft
• Design and conduct structural development, acceptance, & qualification tests
• Integrate mechanical systems with electrical systems

Additional Skills or Expertise:

• Full system mechanical/structural analysis 
• FEA Analysis, particularly NASTRAN/Femap
• Thermal protection systems
• Textiles
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical devices, gear trains, actuators, motors, valves, regulators, or other fluid and position control devices
• Experience with Solidworks, Solidworks PDM, configuration management, & GD&T
• Experience in system level thermal analysis (Thermal Desktop or similar)
• Strong leadership ability - you take ownership of your projects, advocate for your team when they need resources, and inspire those around you to work together through challenging problems
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills - you pride yourself on your ability to convey complex topics with clarity and build mutual understanding from both your team and others in the company

Compensation:

• $180,000 - $225,000, based on experience
• Incentive Equity
• Annual Performance-Based Bonus
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• PTO
• 401k with Company match
• Subsidized daily catered lunch, snacks and coffee

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 ,or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Outpost Space we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.