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Aerospace, Space Technology, Defense, Intelligence, Big Data, Analytics

Mechanical Engineer

Herndon, VAOnsiteFull Time$70,000–$115,000 /yrPosted 1 month agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

  • Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer
  • Space Team
  • small commercial satellites
  • RF geospatial analytics
  • mechanical design
  • integration
  • spacecraft
  • payloads
  • systems design
  • test development

Nice to have

  • smallsat industry
  • space industry
  • RF payloads
  • communication systems
  • mechanical analysis tool
  • electrical harnesses

Role summary

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and test small commercial satellites. This role involves mechanical design, analysis, integration, and testing of spacecraft and payloads, including system design, test development, unit and spacecraft-level testing, and launch campaigns. Responsibilities include supporting mechanical hardware design, creating assembly and test procedures, performing thermal and structural analysis, assisting with integration and testing, and supporting qualification testing. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with 2+ years of experience, proficiency in CAD software (NX, SolidWorks), and understanding of electronics lab environments. Experience with mechanical analysis tools, aerospace test practices, electrical harnesses, and ground support equipment is desirable. This is an onsite position in Herndon.

HawkEye 360 is currently seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer to join the Space Team. The Space Team’s mission is to design, build, and test small commercial satellites that provide revolutionary RF geospatial analytics.

As part of this team, you will contribute to the mechanical design, analysis, integration, and testing of our spacecraft and payloads. Your work will span spacecraft systems design, test development, unit and spacecraft-level testing, and launch campaigns. We're looking for a detail-oriented engineer who is creative, collaborative, and passionate about developing innovative space technology.

This role is onsite in our Herndon office.

Your main responsibilities will be:

  • Support mechanical hardware design and modifications, including part and assembly drawings for spacecraft and ground support equipment (GSE)
  • Create spacecraft mechanical assembly and test procedures
  • Perform engineering calculations for thermal and structural (static and dynamic) analysis
  • Assist with integration and testing of flight hardware at all development stages from unit testing through final spacecraft assembly
  • Support structural qualification testing on spacecraft systems and components
  • Execute assembly and test procedures, and perform software debugging as needed

    • Your skills and qualifications:Essential education and experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent experience)
  • 2+ years of relevant engineering experience (internships and university projects count)
  • Proficiency with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, or similar)
  • Understanding of electronics lab environments, including ESD mitigation and cleanroom protocols
  • Strong analytical skills with excellent written and verbal communication abilities
  • Ability to work onsite and hands-on with spacecraft hardware while following strict ESD and cleanroom protocols

    • Desirable:

  • Interest in the smallsat or space industry, particularly RF payloads or communication systems.
  • Experience designing and building mechanical hardware for space applications
  • Familiarity with mechanical analysis tool such as NX FEMAP/NASTRAN, ABAQUS, HYPERMESH, etc.
  • Experience working with electrical harnesses and connectors
  • Knowledge of standard aerospace test practices (vibration, TVAC, EMI/EMC)
  • Experience designing or modifying ground support equipment (EGSE/MGSE)
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
  • Curiosity and eagerness to learn new approaches and technologies

    • We offer a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus, benefits and equity. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.

    Salary Range$70,000—$115,000 USD

    Company Overview:

    HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.

    HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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