Job Description
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 or analysis-only work).
Key Responsibilities:
• Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft mechanisms including hinges, yokes, actuators, HDRMs, release devices, and deployable booms/arms with thousands of moving parts per satellite.
• Perform hands-on mechanical integration and inspection on the factory floor alongside technicians.
• Develop and operate ground support equipment (GSE) for vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum (TVAC) testing of deployment hardware.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure alignment, prevent binding, and enable clean, reliable deployment of moving assemblies.
• Calculate and verify torque margins, hinge preload, and separation forces for deployment actuators and release systems.
• Analyze test data and define pass/fail criteria, supporting spacecraft-level integration, launch, and on-orbit support.
• Troubleshoot deployment anomalies and perform root-cause failure investigations; drive corrective actions and design/process improvements for mechanisms that do not deploy cleanly.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with structures, avionics, harness, AOCS, solar, quality, and production teams to ensure mechanism performance from design through mission deployment.
Qualifications:
• 3-10+ years of hands-on experience with aerospace mechanisms, deployment systems, or precision moving assemblies ( structures-only or stress-analysis-only backgrounds will not suffice ).
• Proven experience assembling, integrating, and testing deployable space hardware.
• Strong understanding of beam loading and bending moments as they apply to deployable systems, plus torque margin, hinge preload, and tolerance stack-ups in moving assemblies.
• Ability to discuss real-world deployment failure modes and corrective actions taken on flight or qualification hardware.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo) and common test equipment.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to lead failure investigations.
• Flexibility for occasional weekend and early-morning work (e.g., 4 AM deployment operations).
Compensation:
• Salary Range: ~$85,000-$100,000 for mid-level engineers, $100,000-$140,000+ for senior engineers (based on experience)
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays
• Additional Benefits: $10K relocation assistance/ bonus + temp housing assistance, RSUs: 750-5000, monthly stipend: $750-$1000, and Unlimited PTO (after 90 days)
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Location: 100% onsite in Western TX
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