Lead Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Engineering

Department: Vehicle Engineering

Location: Hawthorne, California

Compensation: $157,000 - $190,000 / year

Description Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

As a Lead Structures Engineer, you and your team will design, develop, test, and operate planetary rovers and related hardware. You will be responsible for producing high-performance designs for challenging environments, with cradle-to-grave accountability. You will have the opportunity to develop and mentor other engineers while working on novel, complex mechanical systems.

What you'll do:

• Work with leadership and design counterparts to define Astrolab best practices for structures design, analysis, and test
• Design mechanical and thermal platforms at the architectural level
• Build tools and infrastructure to make your team and the company more efficient
• Set team priorities and manage progress through various program phases
• Develop and train junior mechanical engineers

What you'll bring: Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field
• 4+ years of experience in a design role at a space company
• Experience with space industry design principles, finite element analysis methods, test design & execution
• Experience developing hardware to meet space industry design standards and best practices
• Experience leading a team through a design program start-to-finish
• Experience mentoring and developing junior engineers, contractors, and interns to build an effective design team

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field
• Experience with NASA technical standards for design, analysis, and test
• Experience with structural dynamics analysis and test methods
• Experience with thermal analysis methods and tools

Benefits and Perks

• Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks