Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Job description

Company Overview Fortastra designs and delivers resilient, high-performance spacecraft that safeguard critical orbital assets and ensure freedom of action in space. We integrate advanced autonomy, sensing, and control into systems engineered for reliability, speed, and scale. Our culture values simplicity, accountability, and disciplined execution. We expect leaders to think systemically, act decisively, and take ownership of mission outcomes. Aggressive innovation. Disciplined execution. Strength among the stars. We recently closed a $30M Series A to build the future of on-orbit security and we’re just getting started! Our Engineering Team You’ll join Fortastra’s Engineering Division. The mechanical engineering team is responsible for the physical realization of our spacecraft: structures, mechanisms, packaging, and integration that enable reliable, repeatable builds and rapid iteration across vehicles. The Role Fortastra is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer focused on battery and solar integration to own the mechanical design, packaging, and integration of power subsystems on our spacecraft. You will be responsible for how batteries, solar arrays, and associated hardware are mechanically realized on the vehicle, including mounting, thermal and structural considerations, deployment interfaces, and harness routing. This role is ideal for a mechanically strong engineer who wants to specialize in power-related hardware while still working across the full vehicle. You will collaborate closely with power electronics, avionics, thermal, and structures teams to ensure that power subsystems are robust, maintainable, and flight-ready. Key Responsibilities Design mechanical integration for spacecraft batteries, solar panels or arrays, and supporting structures and mechanisms. Own CAD models for battery modules, solar panel assemblies, mounting brackets, deployment linkages, and related hardware. Work with power and avionics engineers to define mechanical interfaces, connector placements, and harness routing strategies that minimize risk and simplify integration. Account for thermal, structural, and vibration requirements in the mechanical design of power subsystems, coordinating with thermal and structural analysts as needed. Generate and release detailed drawings, BOMs, and documentation for battery and solar mechanical hardware with disciplined revision control. Support trades on panel and battery placement, packaging efficiency, access for integration and test, and maintainability on the vehicle. Collaborate with manufacturing and integration teams to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and serviceable, and support floor activities such as installation procedures and fit checks. Identify and resolve mechanical issues related to cable routing, clearances, and interactions between power subsystems and other spacecraft hardware. Qualifications and Skills Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. 5+ years of experience in mechanical design for spacecraft, robotics, automotive, energy storage, or other high-reliability systems. Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (NX, Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent), including part and assembly modeling. Experience designing mounting hardware, enclosures, or structural components for electronic or power hardware such as batteries or power electronics. Basic understanding of structural and thermal considerations for battery and solar integration, and willingness to work with specialists in those disciplines. Experience creating engineering drawings, applying tolerances, and working within a revision-controlled environment. Familiarity with mechanical design around cable routing, connectors, and minimizing mechanical-electrical interference is a plus. Experience in domains such as spacecraft, EVs, robotics, or renewable energy systems is beneficial. Requirements 5 days on-site in Torrance, CA U.S. Citizenship required Why Fortastra We are a small, high-impact team building the next generation of autonomous orbital control systems for national security space. At Fortastra, leaders own outcomes from first principles through flight and directly shape the future of resilient, mission-critical spacecraft autonomy. FORTASTRA TALENT & CULTURE PRINCIPLES Values Driven by First Principles We value engineers and operators who prioritize sound judgment, candor, technical rigor, bias for action, and intellectual honesty over corporate consensus. We care about the caliber of the system you build and the speed at which you solve problems. Talent Density Over Headcount A high-performing startup is built on dense talent, not organizational bloat. A single exceptional engineer designs, tests, and delivers faster than a bloated committee. We intentionally maintain a lean, elite engineering crew where every contributor directly moves the needle on the mission. High Autonomy, High Ownership We hire domain experts to execute, not to micromanage them. You own your systems end-to-end, from initial architecture and hardware design to testing and deployment. With absolute ownership comes the responsibility to deliver mission critical reliability. Mission Context Over Bureaucracy The best execution happens when teams are provided clear technical objectives, constraints, and operational context, rather than rigid top-down policies. We strip away red tape so builders can iterate, make decisions, and push hardware and flight software forward rapidly. Disciplined Speed & Flight Rigor We move fast because we test often and kill artificial bottlenecks, not because we cut corners. Rapid iteration on the test stand and in simulation is how we learn; an uncompromising flight-readiness bar is how we earn trust. Precision without friction, speed without recklessness. Direct Impact, Not Career Bureaucracy You don’t come to Fortastra to climb a corporate ladder or manage slide decks; you come to build complex, flight-ready systems from day one. Growth here is organic, driven by the magnitude of technical challenges you solve and the trust you build across the team. Benefits We take care of our employees so they can focus on what matters most: family, well-being, and life outside of work. Unlimited Paid Time Off so that you have the time you need to rest and recharge. Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, because peace of mind starts with feeling cared for. Equity: Share in Fortastra's success with equity in the company you're helping build. 401(k): A 401(k) plan to help you invest in your future and plan for what's ahead. Social Events: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities that make this a place people are glad to be part of. The pay range for this role is $130,000.00 - $190,000.00. Where an offer falls within that range depends on factors like your qualifications, experience, location, and interview performance, which we weigh against the market rate for the position. Recruiters & Agencies: Fortastra does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from recruiters, agencies, or third parties. Any candidate submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization from Fortastra will not be subject to any fee, and no relationship is implied. Please do not contact Fortastra employees, hiring managers, or recruiting team directly.