Associate Scientist - Mechanical Engineer

We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of the mechanical, structural, fluidic, and thermal aspects of monopropellant propulsion module development for Cube. Sats and small satellites. The role involves end-to-end mechanical subsystem development, including propulsion module structures, propellant tank assemblies, fluid management systems, valves, actuators, thermal management hardware, mechanical interfaces, and system integration.

The candidate will be responsible for translating propulsion module requirements into mechanical designs, developing component and subsystem architectures, performing engineering analysis, coordinating manufacturing and assembly, and leading mechanical integration and qualification activities. The role requires a strong systems-oriented approach, hands-on hardware development experience, and the ability to independently manage mechanical subsystem development while coordinating with electrical and propulsion engineers.

Responsibilities

Take ownership of the complete mechanical, structural, fluidic, and thermal subsystem development of monopropellant propulsion modules. Translate system-level propulsion requirements into mechanical subsystem requirements, specifications, design concepts, and engineering solutions. Develop mechanical architecture and detailed designs for propulsion module enclosures, mounting structures, brackets, supports, and spacecraft interfaces.

Design and develop propellant tank assemblies, tank mounting arrangements, fluid connections, sealing interfaces, and associated mechanical components. Design and integrate propellant feed systems, including tubing, fittings, manifolds, connectors, and associated fluid components. Work on mechanical integration of solenoid valves, latch valves, fill and drain / vent valves, actuators, and other propulsion hardware.

Design and develop thermal management hardware, including tank heaters, propellant line heaters, insulation, thermal interfaces, sensor mounting arrangements, and associated mechanical provisions. Perform mechanical design calculations, structural assessments, material selection, tolerance analysis, and design evaluations.

Develop detailed CAD models, assembly drawings, manufacturing drawings, GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and bills of materials. Define mechanical interfaces and coordinate with electrical engineers for PCB mounting , wire harnessing , sensor mounting, heater integration, and overall packaging. Coordinate with manufacturing teams and vendors for fabrication, machining, welding, surface treatment, inspection, and assembly of propulsion hardware.

Ensure designs meet requirements related to manufacturability, assembly, inspection, and spacecraft integration. Develop mechanical verification plans and support component-level and subsystem-level testing. Identify mechanical design risks, investigate failures, support root-cause analysis, and implement design improvements.

Maintain mechanical design documentation, engineering specifications, interface control documents, drawings, BOMs, test procedures, and qualification reports. Coordinate with electrical, propulsion, manufacturing, and systems teams to ensure successful development and flight qualification of the complete propulsion module.

Requirements

Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including engineering mechanics, strength of materials, structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer. Experience in mechanical systems design and development of aerospace, satellite, or precision engineering hardware. Strong understanding of mechanical subsystem architecture, component integration, interface management, and design verification.

Experience with pressure-containing assemblies, propellant tank systems, fluid systems, valves, tubing, fittings, and sealing arrangements. Proficiency in 3D CAD tools such as Solid. Works, CATIA, or Creo. Strong knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and manufacturing processes. Experience with structural and thermal analysis using ANSYS or equivalent tools.

Familiarity with aerospace environmental qualification requirements, including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum testing. Ability to develop mechanical requirements, interface documents, design specifications, verification plans, and technical reports. Strong problem-solving, analytical, ownership, and multidisciplinary coordination skills.

Qualifications

B.E./ B.Tech or M.E./ M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline. 2 + years of experience in mechanical systems design, aerospace hardware development, fluid systems, or satellite subsystem development. Experience in engineering design, design for manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing.

Preferred Skills

Experience in Cube. Sat, small satellite, or spacecraft subsystem development. Experience in monopropellant propulsion module development and integration. Familiarity with pressure vessels, propellant tanks, and aerospace fluid management systems. Experience with precision ma nufacturing , welding, fabrication, and assembly of aerospace components .

Familiarity with design reviews, verification, and configuration management. Experience with spacecraft mechanical and thermal qualification campaigns. Familiarity with aerospace engineering standards for Cube. Sats and small satellites . Experience working independently on subsystem development and coordinating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.