Darwin Recruitment
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Valves and Fluid Systems
We are a fast‑moving launch company in the Bay Area seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design, analysis, testing, and qualification of critical flight hardware for cryogenic propellants and high‑pressure gases. The role spans early concept through flight, operating in an onsite, full‑time environment in Alameda, CA. Responsibilities
Design and develop valves, actuators, and other fluid components from scratch. Own the end‑to‑end process from CAD to detailed manufacturing drawings and GD&T. Perform mechanical and thermal analyses to validate designs. Work closely with propulsion, test, and structural teams to integrate parts into the vehicle. Lead the test and qualification of components, including hot‑fire and vibration tests. Debug and improve systems through hands‑on testing and failure investigations. Write up results, update documentation, and help set design standards. What You’ll Need
4+ years of experience designing flight or test hardware. Solid understanding of fluid mechanics, structures, and thermal design. Strong CAD skills (NX, SolidWorks, or similar) and experience creating manufacturing‑ready drawings. Familiarity with machining, welding, and high‑pressure or cryogenic systems. Hands‑on mindset with a comfort level around tools, test stands, and pressure systems. Degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a related field. Bonus Points For
Experience designing valves or actuators for high‑pressure, high‑reliability environments. Familiarity with aerospace design standards such as ASME, NASA, or MIL‑SPEC. Track record of delivering full technical data packages and managing design reviews. Past experience in a startup or lean engineering team. Ability to mentor others and collaborate across disciplines. Location: Alameda, CA • Full‑Time • Onsite Base pay range: $130,000.00/yr – $160,000.00/yr
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We are a fast‑moving launch company in the Bay Area seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design, analysis, testing, and qualification of critical flight hardware for cryogenic propellants and high‑pressure gases. The role spans early concept through flight, operating in an onsite, full‑time environment in Alameda, CA. Responsibilities
Design and develop valves, actuators, and other fluid components from scratch. Own the end‑to‑end process from CAD to detailed manufacturing drawings and GD&T. Perform mechanical and thermal analyses to validate designs. Work closely with propulsion, test, and structural teams to integrate parts into the vehicle. Lead the test and qualification of components, including hot‑fire and vibration tests. Debug and improve systems through hands‑on testing and failure investigations. Write up results, update documentation, and help set design standards. What You’ll Need
4+ years of experience designing flight or test hardware. Solid understanding of fluid mechanics, structures, and thermal design. Strong CAD skills (NX, SolidWorks, or similar) and experience creating manufacturing‑ready drawings. Familiarity with machining, welding, and high‑pressure or cryogenic systems. Hands‑on mindset with a comfort level around tools, test stands, and pressure systems. Degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a related field. Bonus Points For
Experience designing valves or actuators for high‑pressure, high‑reliability environments. Familiarity with aerospace design standards such as ASME, NASA, or MIL‑SPEC. Track record of delivering full technical data packages and managing design reviews. Past experience in a startup or lean engineering team. Ability to mentor others and collaborate across disciplines. Location: Alameda, CA • Full‑Time • Onsite Base pay range: $130,000.00/yr – $160,000.00/yr
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