Mechanical Engineer-Space Systems

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Space Systems Job Description
This role focuses on the hands-on design and development of complex mechanical and robotic systems for space and lunar environments. You will work primarily on metal-based mechanisms and assemblies that integrate with larger robotic arms, vehicles, and supporting systems. The position requires strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, experience delivering functional hardware, and the judgment to work independently when senior mechanical leaders are not onsite.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop mechanical components, mechanisms, assemblies, and test hardware for robotic and space-related products.
- Own mechanical design work from initial requirements and concept development through detailed design, build, integration, and testing.
- Develop metal-based systems that include moving components, actuators, motors, bearings, structural elements, and electromechanical interfaces.
- Design components and assemblies using SolidWorks, ensuring robust and manufacturable solutions.
- Create, review, and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, and supporting technical documentation.
- Apply appropriate GD&T practices based on the complexity, function, and maturity of the design.
- Support the design and development of mechanical test stands, assembly fixtures, and related tooling.
- Evaluate and define how individual components and subsystems interface with larger robotic systems, vehicles, and end-effectors.
- Collaborate closely with electrical, software, robotics, test, and systems engineers to resolve integration challenges.
- Support hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, testing, and iterative design improvements on mechanical hardware.
- Make sound engineering decisions independently while remaining open to technical direction and design feedback.
- Support thermal, vacuum, mechanism, actuator, and system-level verification activities to validate performance in relevant environments.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Approximately 4 to 8 years of professional experience, with emphasis on overall technical capability, relevant aerospace or highly engineered product experience, and demonstrated ownership of hardware.
- Professional experience designing and developing functional mechanical hardware from concept through test.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, tolerances, and manufacturing considerations.
- Experience with metal components and assemblies that include moving or load-bearing elements.
- Experience taking mechanical hardware through design, build, integration, and test phases.
- Ability to interpret and create detailed technical and engineering drawings.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
- Ability to apply GD&T appropriately to support manufacturability and functional performance.
- Capability to work hands-on with mechanical assemblies for assembly, troubleshooting, and testing.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience developing dynamic mechanical systems with moving components, actuators, motors, mechanisms, or robotic hardware.
- Background in aerospace, automotive, defense, robotics, or other highly engineered industries.
- Relevant transferable experience in areas such as automotive systems, military vehicles, industrial or semiconductor equipment, actuated medical devices, downhole tools, robotics, or other complex products.
- Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams that include electrical, software, robotics, test, and systems engineering disciplines.
- Comfort working on complex, integrated systems where mechanical subsystems must interface with larger robotic arms, vehicles, and end-effectors.
Work Environment
This is a fully onsite position with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will work in a hands-on engineering environment that combines office-based design work using SolidWorks with shop and lab activities for assembly, integration, and testing of mechanical and robotic systems. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams and frequent interaction with physical hardware, test stands, fixtures, and verification setups designed for space and lunar applications.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.