Senior Mechanical Engineer, Structures

Pioneering multi-ton Earth return for the growing space economy and for enabling point to point delivery around the globe. 

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 a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Outpost, you will be responsible for many 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: 

• Expertise in using industry-standard FEA tools like FEMAP/NASTRAN.
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability principles and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards.
• Strong skills in CAD and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.
• Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems.
• Experience with the complete design, build, test, and flight phases of mechanical systems, structures, and mechanisms.
• Background working with engineering hardware in both lab and manufacturing settings.
• Knowledge of how system-level design factors affect component design, including considerations for packaging, thermal, environmental, and load influences.
• Understanding of electromechanical components like motors, valves, servos, and fluid control systems.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the entire design process, from concept, design, and analysis to manufacturing and testing for primary and secondary structures such as heat shields.
• Define project scope, capture requirements, and conduct initial design trade studies for open-ended challenges.
• Develop structural load paths and design for complex systems and adjacent packaging.
• Review material properties, static and dynamic load inputs, testing requirements, and structural system or subsystem specifications.
• Apply creative solutions to minimize mass, parts, processes, and tooling needs.
• Perform analysis and sizing of flight structures to ensure timely design reviews and drawing releases.
• Plan and support hardware test campaigns, including test integration, operations, and evaluation of results.
• Assist in the development of manufacturing processes.

Additional Skills or Expertise

• Experience working with re-entry vehicles.
• Familiarity with conducting thermal and structural FEA analyses.
• Over 5 years of experience in mechanical or electromechanical design and analysis.
• Hands-on experience in machining and manufacturing techniques.

Compensation & Benefits:

• 140,000 - 180,000, based on experience
• Equity
• Annual Performance-Based Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 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.