Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer

Job description

COMPANY NewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there. Flying closer to Earth means sharper imagery from smaller optics, and an orbit that cleans itself: our satellites de-orbit within a month at end of life, leaving no debris. Our AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers our own NEO-1 satellite, with first flight planned for Q3 2028, and is also offered to other operators. Electric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and our AURA RF gridded ion thruster is at the centre of it. Role Overview You will design satellite structure and hardware, and help keep the satellite's full CAD assembly organised and under control as the design matures. Working within a small, multidisciplinary team, you will translate requirements into manufacturable designs and support their validation through prototyping and environmental testing.   Key Responsibilities - Design and develop mechanical hardware for the satellite, including secondary structures (panels, brackets and component mounts), thermal-control hardware, cable and harness routing, and mechanisms. Primary structure experience is welcome. - Work in the satellite's large 3D CAD assembly alongside the wider design team, using top-down design and skeleton models to keep interfaces, configurations and revisions in step as several designers work in the same model. - Manage assembly configuration, PLM data (3DEXPERIENCE ('3DX') or similar), bills of materials and engineering change control (ECO/ECR/ECN), so that models, drawings and interfaces stay consistent as changes are released. - Run interference and clash checks and maintain the digital mock-up, working with each subsystem owner to allocate space and resolve conflicts. - Produce fully dimensioned, manufacturing-ready drawings and interface control documents using GD&T. - Support design reviews (PDR and CDR) and qualification, working with structural and thermal engineers on analysis and verification planning. - Optimise designs for manufacturability, cost, mass and reliability, working directly with manufacturers and suppliers. - Support prototype builds, integration and environmental test campaigns, iterating designs based on results. - Collaborate with electrical, software, systems and thermal engineers to integrate mechanical components into the satellite platform.   Required Skills & Experience - Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace or a related engineering discipline. - 3+ years' experience in mechanical design of aerospace, space or other high-reliability hardware, with strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks preferred; CATIA, NX or Creo also considered). - Practical application of GD&T and experience producing manufacturing-ready drawings. - Solid grounding in mechanical design principles, materials and thermal management, with a working understanding of structural mechanics. - Demonstrated ability to design, build and test hardware, including troubleshooting and iteration. - Clear communicator who is comfortable explaining and defending design decisions, and open to feedback and challenge in a fast-moving team. Preferred Experience - Satellite or spacecraft design, ideally detailed design of secondary structures (panel and component mounting, thermal hardware, cable and harness routing). Primary structure experience is a plus. - Experience working in large, multi-person CAD assemblies, including top-down design, skeleton or master models, in-context references and configurations. - Experience with PLM or PDM systems (for example 3DEXPERIENCE ('3DX'), Windchill, Teamcenter, ENOVIA or SolidWorks PDM), configuration management, revision control and formal change processes (ECO/ECR/ECN). - Experience working within formal engineering processes, such as design reviews, documented requirements and standards. - Hardware that has launched. - Basic FEA familiarity, MGSE or ground-support equipment design, and electromechanical packaging. WHY NEWORBIT SPACE? - Pioneering space technology - Your work on our RF gridded ion thrusters and VLEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and challenge traditional LEO. - Ownership and impact - You'll have a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry, and you'll take part in the full lifecycle of satellite technology. - Equity and competitive salary - Alongside a competitive salary you receive a company ownership stake, so you share in the technology you help build and in our collective success. - Comprehensive benefits - Private health insurance with dental and optical cover, and annual health check-ups. - Hybrid working - One dedicated remote day per week. - Visa sponsorship and relocation support - We sponsor visas and provide relocation support for candidates moving to join us.