Senior Mechanical Designer

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Designer to define the architecture and technical direction of major spacecraft mechanical subsystems across multiple programs. 

This role combines subsystem architecture, mechanical design, structural and thermal analysis, hardware development, technical leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver scalable spacecraft solutions that enable Kepler's next generation of products. The successful candidate will remain deeply engaged in solving the organization's most challenging mechanical engineering problems while guiding subsystem owners, systems engineering, manufacturing, and technical specialists to establish robust, reusable, and manufacturable designs. 

The ideal candidate thrives in environments where performance, mass, manufacturability, reliability, schedule, and cost must all be balanced across multiple programs. They combine deep technical expertise with strong systems thinking and influence engineering decisions through technical leadership, engineering judgment, and mentorship rather than organizational authority. 

This role is an opportunity to shape the mechanical architectures, engineering methodologies, and technical capability that will enable Kepler to become a world leader in spacecraft development and space infrastructure.

Architecture & Technical Direction 

• Own the architecture and technical direction of major spacecraft mechanical subsystems across multiple programs. 

• Personally lead the mechanical development of the organization's most technically challenging spacecraft subsystems, hardware integrations, and multidisciplinary engineering problems. 

• Define mechanical design approaches that balance performance, manufacturability, reliability, scalability, schedule, and cost across multiple programs. 

• Lead complex technical trade studies using first-principles engineering, simulation, testing, and sound engineering judgment. 

• Guide subsystem owners through critical design decisions, technical risk reduction, and verification planning. 

• Drive subsystem architectures that maximize reuse across programs, manufacturability, maintainability, and long-term platform evolution 

• Resolve the organization's most challenging mechanical engineering problems by balancing technical risk, program constraints, and long-term platform objectives. 

Analysis, Verification & Risk Reduction 

• Define verification strategies and engineering approaches for complex spacecraft mechanical systems. 

• Perform and guide structural and thermal analyses supporting subsystem development and qualification. 

• Lead the resolution of high-complexity multidisciplinary technical challenges. 

• Review analytical models, test plans, qualification strategies, and engineering evidence supporting flight readiness. 

• Drive continuous improvement of engineering confidence through analysis, testing, and model correlation. 

Cross-Functional Technical Leadership 

• Partner closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, manufacturing, supply chain, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop integrated spacecraft solutions. 

• Provide technical leadership during design reviews, architecture reviews, and major engineering decision points. 

• Influence cross-functional engineering decisions through technical expertise, clear communication, and systems thinking. 

• Lead integration of customer payloads and complex spacecraft interfaces by balancing structural, thermal, manufacturing, and operational considerations. 

• Build and maintain strong technical relationships with suppliers and manufacturing partners to accelerate development, influence design solutions, and advance manufacturing capabilities. 

Engineering Excellence 

• Establish engineering best practices, reusable design approaches, and mechanical development methodologies. 

• Develop reusable subsystem architectures and reference designs that accelerate development across future spacecraft programs. 

• Mentor mechanical engineers while developing technical depth, engineering judgment, and subsystem ownership throughout the organization. 

• Raise the technical standard of the mechanical engineering organization through technical leadership, peer review, coaching, and continuous improvement. 

• Champion a culture of technical rigor, accountability, collaboration, and engineering excellence.