Aerospace & Defense startup currently in Stealth based in El Segundo, made up of former SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed engineers, applying their knowledge to produce life-saving systems. Backed by joint staff level military leadership and several major SV firms. Our first product is designed for immediate deployment around the world.

Job Overview

We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer with a strong background in actuation system design. You will design, prototype, analyze, and test complex actuation systems for aerospace rocket and missile platforms. This role involves full lifecycle ownership of system components, subassemblies, and product architecture—from concept through to integration and production. You will be responsible for performance validation via rigorous analysis and environmental testing.

Responsibilities

• Own the electromechanical design and development of actuation systems from concept through high-volume production and deployment.
• Perform detailed electromechanical design utilizing advanced CAD tools (SOLIDWORKS or Creo), ensuring robust integration with electrical components and software control systems.
• Develop and refine design criteria, manage requirements, and drive optimization of actuator systems for reliability, performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct comprehensive structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses using finite element analysis (FEA) and other modeling techniques.
• Execute rigorous testing, validation, and iteration cycles to ensure actuator performance under varied environmental and operational conditions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Software teams to seamlessly integrate actuator designs into broader system architectures.
• Develop and implement manufacturing processes, including tooling design, fixture creation, and automation integration, to support high-volume, high-quality actuator production.
• Generate detailed documentation, including design specifications, test plans, analyses reports, and manufacturing instructions.
• Perform peer reviews of designs, analyses, and testing methodologies to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 4 years professional experience in electromechanical or actuator systems design and development.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software, specifically SOLIDWORKS or Creo.
• Solid understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Experience performing structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses using FEA software such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, or Nastran.
• Familiarity with actuation technologies, including motors, gearboxes, linear actuators, servo systems, sensors, and control systems.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes relevant to electromechanical systems, including machining, casting, injection molding, and additive manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) principles.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical engineers, software developers, manufacturing teams, and test engineers.
• Demonstrated experience working in fast-paced, agile development environments with aggressive schedules.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of clearly presenting technical information and recommendations.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
  
  

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.

• 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.