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Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms)

Starcloud· Engineering
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Redmond, WA$105k - $140kfull-timePosted 10mo ago

About the role

Mechanisms Engineer responsible for designing, analyzing, and validating spacecraft mechanisms (deployable solar panels and deployable radiators) for Starcloud's space-based data centers, with a focus on mechanical analysis, design iterations, and integration with the spacecraft.

Responsibilities

  • Identify and analyze requirements, conduct trade studies on mechanism design options, and apply First Principles Engineering Analysis to optimize mechanisms and systems for satellites.
  • Create and iterate detailed CAD models, including mechanism architecture, material/lubrication selections, assembly processes, and test methods.
  • Conduct classical and FEA analysis for all load conditions (static, dynamic, thermal, fatigue) to ensure adequate margins and reliability.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive test plans throughout development.
  • Define qualification plans and identify acceptance testing methods.
  • Produce complete design packages, including detailed drawings, analysis reports, BOMs, and assembly documentation.
  • Facilitate cost trades on multiple parallel configurations to balance cost, manufacturability, and design risk.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration with the spacecraft.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
  • 1+ years of experience in a hands-on engineering role working with satellite or launch vehicle mechanisms.
  • Experience designing and qualifying mechanisms driven by stepper or BLDC motors, springs, and HDRMs.
  • Proficient in developing design models and drawings for production and analysis using CAD software.

Skills

Required:First Principles Engineering AnalysisCAD modeling and detailingFinite Element Analysis (FEA)
Nice to have:Materials selection for space applicationsNX and Ansys

Benefits

  • Potential for stock options, discretionary bonuses, and other long-term incentives.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
  • Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Last updated Jul 8, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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About Starcloud

Data centers in space

(Formerly known as Lumen Orbit) Starcloud is building data centers in space, initially to provide GPU compute to other satellites, and later to address the rapidly growing demand for energy caused by the deployment of AI. Falling launch costs give us access to abundant energy, passive cooling, and the ability to rapidly scale in space. In Partnership with NVIDIA's Inception Program, we are launching our demonstrator satellite in late 2025, which will have 100x more powerful GPUs than have ever been operated in space.

artificial-intelligencehard-techsatellitesclimatecloud-computing
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