Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy.
Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities- from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data.
By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.Founded in **** by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations.
We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.About the RoleThe Payload Mechanical team is looking for a Senior Mechanisms Engineer to act as the responsible engineer for gimbal mechanism development on our laser communications payloads.
The adecuado candidate is a self-motivated expert with a versatile skill set and deep hands‐on experience with flight mechanisms for high-reliability space systems, comfortable driving everything from conceptual design and performance budgeting to precision component procurement and rigorous hardware execution.
This role spans concept development, mechanical design, analysis, procurement, integration, and qualification of precision pointing and tracking mechanisms for flight.
You will work closely with optical, laser, controls, and systems engineers to deliver flight-ready gimbals that meet demanding performance and reliability requirements.
Previous experience driving end-to-end development of precision flight mechanisms, managing stringent performance budgets, and qualifying hardware for space environments in a fast-paced environment is required.Responsibilities:Own the full development lifecycle of gimbal mechanisms for laser communications payloads, from concept through flight qualificationDesign precision gimbal assemblies, including bearings, flexures, motors, encoders, and structural membersPerform mechanism-level analysis including kinematics, stiffness, backlash, torque margin, thermal expansion,



and bearing life modelingDefine mechanism performance requirements and interface specifications in coordination with optical and controls teamsSpecify and procure precision components including bearings, motors, encoders, and custom machined parts; own supplier relationships and acceptance testingDevelop and execute integration and verification procedures for flight hardwareDefine and execute qualification test plans including functional testing, life testing, vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuumDevelop and maintain mechanism drawings, GD&T; specifications, assembly procedures, and test reportsCollaborate with controls engineers to support mechanism characterization and closed‐loop performance validationParticipate in design reviews and contribute to system‐level pointing and tracking trade studiesBasic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field5+ years of experience designing and developing precision mechanisms for flight hardware in aerospace or defense programsDemonstrated experience as the technical owner of end-to-end mechanism development including design, analysis, procurement, integration, and testProficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and engineering drawing/GD&TExperience; with mechanism analysis including kinematics, stiffness, torque margin, and bearing life calculationsHands‐on experience with flight mechanism integration, alignment, and functional testing in a lab environmentFamiliarity with precision components including angular contact bearings, brushless DC motors, and optical encodersExperience taking flight mechanisms through environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering8+ years of experience in precision flight mechanism development for space or defense programsExperience designing gimbal mechanisms for laser communications, optical payloads,



or antenna pointing systemsFamiliarity with fast steering mirrors or other precision beam-pointing devicesExperience with mechanism lubrication strategies for space environmentsFamiliarity with closed‐loop control of gimbal mechanisms and interaction with pointing error budgetsExperience with life and wear testing and reliability analysis for space mechanismsHands‐on experience building and qualifying flight hardware in a cleanroom environmentCompensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is $152,000 - $220,000 annually.
The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) retirement savings planPaid time off10 paid holidays per calendar yearPaid parental leaveRelocation assistance if applicableDaily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacksITAR RequirementsExport Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. ****b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Learn more about ITAR here.DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position.
It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities.
Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer.
We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience.
Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.
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📌 Sr. Mechanisms Engineer (San Carlos)
🏢 Cowboy Space
📍 San Carlos