Senior Mechanical Engineer
Content + Source + Freshness • 17 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
This position offers a strong salary and the chance to contribute significantly to spacecraft systems engineering in a startup setting.
- Strong salary: $120,000–$190,000/year
- Engaged in spacecraft development and testing
- Ownership of engineering from concept to launch
- Startup environment could lead to varied pressures
Pros
- Strong salary range ($120,000–$190,000/year) reflecting aerospace engineering demand.
- Opportunity to work on all phases of spacecraft design and testing.
- Value placed on creativity and ownership of engineering tasks.
Cons
- Startup environment may entail work pressure.
- Location-based requirements might limit applicant pool.
- Less structured than larger companies which may lead to role ambiguity.
Who it's for
Mid to senior-level engineers. • Hybrid-office model, prioritizing teamwork.
Good fit
- Mid to senior-level mechanical engineers.
- Collaboration-driven professionals in aerospace.
- Individuals eager to contribute actively to technical development.
Not recommended for
- New graduates without experience in mechanical design.
- Candidates preferring structure over innovation.
- Those seeking isolated, non-collaborative work.
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Mechanical team as a Senior Mechanical Engineer developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. This role offers the chance to combine hands-on engineering with in-depth structural analysis to ensure our spacecraft thrive in the extreme space environment. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it.
AscendArc is a seed stage startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design, development, and validation of spacecraft mechanical systems, including structures, mechanisms, and thermal hardware
- Perform structural analysis using FEA to evaluate stiffness, strength, vibration modes, and margins of safety.
- Collaborate with immediate and cross-functional teams to define mechanical interfaces and support system integration
- Develop CAD models, detailed drawings, and documentation to support manufacturing, assembly, and testing
- Support environmental and functional testing efforts (e.g., vibration, thermal, deployment), including test setup and data collection
- Participate in design reviews and help identify and mitigate technical risks early in the development cycle
- Assist in hands-on prototyping, hardware builds, and integration activities
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
- 5+ years of experience designing and testing complex mechanical systems, preferably in aerospace or high-reliability industries
- Proficient in 3D CAD (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and engineering analysis tools (FEA, thermal, tolerance analysis)
- Demonstrated experience with full product lifecycle: from early prototyping through flight hardware delivery
- Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, integration, and testing
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across disciplines and with external partners
Who We’re Looking For
We’re searching for exceptional talent. We value high-caliber individuals with the drive and creativity to help launch Oregon’s first commercial communications satellite.
We’re looking for people who:
- Thrive in a cradle-to-grave design environment and take ownership from concept through launch.
- Bring energy, curiosity, and a responsible engineering mindset.
- Want to work alongside other exceptional people in an environment where great ideas rise to the top.
The base salary range for this position is $120,000-190,000/year. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.
AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor or legally protected status.
