Motive Workforce
Overview
We’re seeking a
Staff Mechanical Engineer
to lead the
mechanical design and manufacturability
of next-generation
Hall-effect thrusters
for spacecraft propulsion. This role is pivotal in ensuring our propulsion systems deliver
world-class performance and reliability in orbit —while being
optimized for scalable, cost-effective production . This is a
high-impact leadership position
where you’ll own the mechanical architecture of flight-critical hardware, mentor engineers, and collaborate across disciplines to push the boundaries of spacecraft propulsion. What You’ll Do
Lead the
mechanical architecture
of Hall-effect thrusters, including discharge channels, magnetic circuits, and electrode assemblies. Apply
Design-for-Manufacture (DFM) and Design-for-Assembly (DFA)
to transition hardware from prototype to scalable production. Specify
advanced materials, coatings, and joining methods
for extreme plasma environments and long-duration missions. Perform
structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses
to validate performance in launch and space environments. Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing teams to resolve
producibility challenges
and qualify vendors. Drive
mechanical testing campaigns
(vibration, shock, TVAC, life testing) for flight hardware. Partner with plasma physics, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure
integrated thruster performance . Mentor engineers, review designs, and serve as
subject matter expert
in manufacturable spacecraft propulsion hardware. Champion
continuous improvement
to simplify, modularize, and standardize designs for reduced cost and faster cycles. What We’re Looking For
B.S. or M.S. in
Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering
field. 5+ years of aerospace hardware design experience
(propulsion or high-reliability spacecraft systems). Expertise in
structural, thermal, and materials design
for spaceflight hardware. Proven track record applying
DFM/DFA
to aerospace hardware transitioned into production. Proficiency with
CAD & analysis tools
(SolidWorks, Creo, NX, ANSYS, or equivalent). Hands-on experience with
qualification testing
(vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum). Familiarity with
aerospace standards
(NASA, ESA, ECSS, MIL-STD, etc.). Strong
leadership and communication skills
with ability to mentor teams and influence system-level decisions. Preferred Skills
Direct experience with
electric propulsion hardware
(Hall-effect thrusters, ion engines). Knowledge of
high-temperature materials, ceramics, or coatings
for plasma-facing components. Experience scaling hardware from
development units to flight production . Familiarity with
additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing techniques . Previous leadership as a
mechanical lead or system architect
for flight-qualified hardware. Additional Info
Must meet
ITAR/EAR compliance
as a U.S. Person or be eligible for licensing. Subject to background checks and, where applicable, government contract clearance. Applicants in San Francisco will be considered consistent with the
Fair Chance Ordinance . Why Join Us?
You’ll be shaping the future of
electric propulsion —designing spacecraft hardware that must
survive launch, operate for years in orbit, and scale into high-volume production . If you’re ready to make a lasting impact on the next generation of propulsion technology, this role is for you. Apply today to help lead the mechanical design of
space-ready Hall-effect thrusters
and bring cutting-edge propulsion systems to life. Seniority level
Associate Employment type
Full-time Job function
Industries: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing and Defense and Space Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We’re seeking a
Staff Mechanical Engineer
to lead the
mechanical design and manufacturability
of next-generation
Hall-effect thrusters
for spacecraft propulsion. This role is pivotal in ensuring our propulsion systems deliver
world-class performance and reliability in orbit —while being
optimized for scalable, cost-effective production . This is a
high-impact leadership position
where you’ll own the mechanical architecture of flight-critical hardware, mentor engineers, and collaborate across disciplines to push the boundaries of spacecraft propulsion. What You’ll Do
Lead the
mechanical architecture
of Hall-effect thrusters, including discharge channels, magnetic circuits, and electrode assemblies. Apply
Design-for-Manufacture (DFM) and Design-for-Assembly (DFA)
to transition hardware from prototype to scalable production. Specify
advanced materials, coatings, and joining methods
for extreme plasma environments and long-duration missions. Perform
structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses
to validate performance in launch and space environments. Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing teams to resolve
producibility challenges
and qualify vendors. Drive
mechanical testing campaigns
(vibration, shock, TVAC, life testing) for flight hardware. Partner with plasma physics, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure
integrated thruster performance . Mentor engineers, review designs, and serve as
subject matter expert
in manufacturable spacecraft propulsion hardware. Champion
continuous improvement
to simplify, modularize, and standardize designs for reduced cost and faster cycles. What We’re Looking For
B.S. or M.S. in
Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering
field. 5+ years of aerospace hardware design experience
(propulsion or high-reliability spacecraft systems). Expertise in
structural, thermal, and materials design
for spaceflight hardware. Proven track record applying
DFM/DFA
to aerospace hardware transitioned into production. Proficiency with
CAD & analysis tools
(SolidWorks, Creo, NX, ANSYS, or equivalent). Hands-on experience with
qualification testing
(vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum). Familiarity with
aerospace standards
(NASA, ESA, ECSS, MIL-STD, etc.). Strong
leadership and communication skills
with ability to mentor teams and influence system-level decisions. Preferred Skills
Direct experience with
electric propulsion hardware
(Hall-effect thrusters, ion engines). Knowledge of
high-temperature materials, ceramics, or coatings
for plasma-facing components. Experience scaling hardware from
development units to flight production . Familiarity with
additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing techniques . Previous leadership as a
mechanical lead or system architect
for flight-qualified hardware. Additional Info
Must meet
ITAR/EAR compliance
as a U.S. Person or be eligible for licensing. Subject to background checks and, where applicable, government contract clearance. Applicants in San Francisco will be considered consistent with the
Fair Chance Ordinance . Why Join Us?
You’ll be shaping the future of
electric propulsion —designing spacecraft hardware that must
survive launch, operate for years in orbit, and scale into high-volume production . If you’re ready to make a lasting impact on the next generation of propulsion technology, this role is for you. Apply today to help lead the mechanical design of
space-ready Hall-effect thrusters
and bring cutting-edge propulsion systems to life. Seniority level
Associate Employment type
Full-time Job function
Industries: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing and Defense and Space Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr