Mechanical Engineer - Structures

About Us

Space Machines Company is dedicated to protecting vital space infrastructure by developing the first integrated security platform that can identify threats, enable rapid decisions, and respond effectively at scale. Traditional spacecraft have been expensive and slow to manufacture with complex coordination needs. Our mission is to create systems produced at scale with human-on-the-loop autonomy to drastically lower costs and reduce complexity in orbital operations.

Given the increasing congestion and contest in space, satellites critical for communication, navigation, and finance face growing risks. We are developing vehicles and software that safeguard these assets in partnership with commercial operators and government agencies across allied nations.

Our approach combines engineering and economics. Our Optimus Viper Rapid Response Vehicle provides true mission capabilities at a fraction of traditional spacecraft costs, designed for mass production and fast deployment throughout all orbits. Our AI-driven Solstice OS command platform fuses space domain awareness and automates mission planning and vehicle coordination, enabling smaller teams to manage more satellites and react to situations within seconds instead of hours.

Envisioning a future where space assets can be inspected, monitored, and protected in orbit, we are building the necessary technologies to realize this vision.

Why Join Us

We are a fast-moving startup where resources are lean and opportunities abound to learn quickly, grow alongside the company, and leave a unique mark on groundbreaking endeavors. Our engineers, innovators, and problem solvers collaborate to push technological boundaries. If your passion lies in developing technologies to protect and empower humanity's future in space and seeing tangible impact from your work, this is your place.

How We Operate

We prioritize building and iterate through design, construction, testing, and refinement—making concepts tangible while learning and improving continually. We question assumptions to ensure we address the right challenges and enhance solutions through collaboration and feedback. We embrace processes that add value and eschew those that impede progress. Facing many firsts, we approach them with curiosity and courage, uniting to succeed as a team.

Role Overview

As a Mechanical Engineer focusing on Structures, you will be pivotal in designing, building, and testing spacecraft capable of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). Your responsibilities span structural design and analysis at unit and system levels, generative design projects, and working closely with spacecraft subsystems and external payload partners, emphasizing optical payloads and integration testing. With an aim for production-scale spacecraft, pragmatic and production-ready designs are essential. This position requires presence at our Botany, Sydney office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects from initial concept through final spacecraft integration.
• Design and analyze structural components using Siemens NX and Ansys Mechanical, ensuring functionality under space conditions.
• Optimize component designs, developing requirements for generative and topology optimized structures.
• Verify and validate spacecraft structural system performance.
• Maintain compliance with vehicle and unit-level regulations and mission goals.
• Document work at standards suitable for external partners and regulatory bodies, fostering cross-disciplinary communication and efficient workflows.
• Drive innovation and iterative design with limited oversight.

Candidate Profile

Success in this role requires a builder’s mentality focused on translating concepts into flight-ready hardware through hands-on design, analysis, and validation. An iterative mindset is essential to refine designs continuously, alongside a collaborative spirit and curiosity to work across disciplines and with external collaborators. Adaptability and ownership to navigate a fast-growing and changing environment, managing projects end to end without complete specifications, are critical.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent in mechanical engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in aerospace or a highly technical engineering discipline.
• Expertise in design and analysis of structural components and systems, including vibration and acoustic assessments.
• Proficiency in conducting static, dynamic, and acoustic simulations using professional software tools.
• CAD design skills, capable of leading designs from concept to physical realization.
• Experience with algorithmic design and topology optimization.
• Fundamental knowledge of design requirements for space applications.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Advantageous Experience

• Postgraduate research qualification in mechanical engineering.
• Over 5 years of professional experience in aerospace or technical engineering.
• Specialized background in space application design.
• Advanced proficiency with Siemens NX CAD software.
• Experience with Nastran and/or Ansys for structural, vibration, and acoustic analyses.
• Familiarity with startup or fast-scaling small company environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and expected contribution.
• Meaningful employee stock options providing ownership stakes with real long-term value.
• Paid annual leave plus personal and sick days.
• All public holidays observed.
• A culture offering genuine freedom to build, decide, and move swiftly without excessive approvals.