Staff Mechanical Engineer - Payloads

We are seeking an experienced

Staff Mechanical Engineer to join a growing Optical Payload Engineering team developing next-generation Earth Observation satellite systems. This is a senior technical role combining hands-on engineering with technical leadership, supporting the development, integration, and production of advanced optical payloads from concept through launch.Working closely with internal engineering teams and external payload partners, you will ensure that optical payloads are successfully integrated into spacecraft while meeting demanding structural, thermal, and mechanical performance requirements. You'll contribute throughout the product lifecycle-from defining requirements and evaluating designs to supporting production, testing, and integration of flight hardware.This is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting-edge satellite technology alongside multidisciplinary teams delivering high-performance space systems.This is a

hybrid position based Washington State.Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical integration of advanced optical payloads into spacecraft, ensuring compliance with mission performance, structural, and thermal requirements.

• Collaborate with external payload suppliers and internal engineering teams throughout the full development lifecycle, from concept through production and flight integration.

• Define mechanical requirements and evaluate payload designs, analyses, and test results to ensure compatibility with spacecraft systems.

• Develop technical plans that balance programme requirements, engineering risk, cost, quality, and schedule.

• Work within multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver spacecraft designs, manufacturing plans, and integration strategies.

• Design spacecraft mechanical structures, assemblies, and components using CAD software, including Creo.

• Produce and maintain engineering documentation, including part drawings, assembly drawings, bills of materials, and manufacturing documentation.

• Document engineering analyses and design decisions through technical reports and presentations.

• Apply sound engineering judgement to resolve complex design challenges where requirements or data may be incomplete.

• Support manufacturing and production by resolving build issues, reviewing non-conformance reports, and implementing corrective actions.

• Design tooling, fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to support spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing.Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• 10+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience.

• Demonstrated experience developing satellite or launch vehicle hardware from early concepts through detailed design and production.

• Experience supporting the mechanical design and integration of optical systems or precision instrumentation.

• Strong understanding of mechanical design requirements for spacecraft and spaceflight hardware.

• Experience leading small to medium-sized cross-functional engineering projects.

• Proficiency using CAD software to create part models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings.

• Working knowledge of ANSI Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Must qualify as a

U.S. Person in accordance with applicable export control regulations.Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using PTC Creo and Windchill.

• Experience performing or supporting structural analysis and structural testing.

• Experience performing or supporting thermal analysis and thermal testing.

• Experience integrating precision optical payloads into aerospace or spaceflight platforms.Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.