Associate Mechanical Engineering Manager

CesiumAstro•El Segundo, CA 90245, US• Contract

Posted 1 day ago• Mechanical

Compensation

$140,000–$168,000/year

Job Description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineering Associate Manager to lead the functional management and development of our mechanical engineering team. This role is responsible for scaling engineering processes, driving technical excellence, and ensuring effective deployment of resources across programs.

In addition to leading and developing a team of engineers, this individual will serve as a senior technical contributor, guiding mechanical system and hardware development across the full product lifecycle, from concept through in-orbit support, with a strong focus on aerospace and space-based applications.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Set performance expectations, provide ongoing feedback, and conduct performance evaluations.
Build an inclusive and collaborative team environment aligned with company values.
Partner with senior leadership and Talent Acquisition on hiring and workforce planning.
Align training and development initiatives with organizational and employee growth needs.
Serve as a senior technical leader across all phases of mechanical system and hardware development.
Lead mechanical architecture trade studies and drive technology development aligned with product roadmaps.
Define and validate system-level mechanical requirements and interfaces for aerospace/space applications.
Lead concept development efforts, including proposals and feasibility studies.
Oversee mechanical design, analysis, and testing for high-criticality programs.
Support design reviews and present technical content to customers and executive leadership.
Develop, implement, and standardize mechanical engineering processes, including design checklists, analysis methodologies, verification and validation plans, and lifecycle documentation standards.
Establish baseline technical documentation for new programs and products.
Ensure effective allocation of engineering resources across multiple programs.
Collaborate with customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to support program success.
Drive accountability for technical milestones, quality standards, and delivery commitments.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
4–7 years of experience in mechanical design and analysis for aerospace or space systems with a minimum of 1 year of engineering management or team leadership experience.
Deep expertise in mechanical design, analysis, and hardware development.
Experience with electronics packaging at both PCBA and system levels.
Strong understanding of structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis methods.
Knowledge of environmental testing and qualification standards for space hardware.
Proficiency with CAD and PDM tools, including SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM (or equivalent).
Experience with simulation and analysis tools such as ANSYS Mechanical, SolidWorks Simulation, or similar FEA platforms.
Familiarity with aerospace materials and manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, composites, additive manufacturing).
Understanding of system integration, AI&T, and launch constraints.
Proven ability to lead technical trade studies and make architecture-level decisions.
Experience developing and implementing engineering processes and best practices.
Effective communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.