Generative Spacecraft Engineer - Mechanical at Oligo Space · Hawthorne

Oligo is building a manufacturing-in-the-loop foundation model to automate spacecraft design and production worldwide. Our approach allows customers to focus entirely on their own technology and mission objectives, while we handle everything, from design and manufacturing to launch and operations. Leveraging cutting edge AI-driven generative design and automated manufacturing, our ex-MIT, Harvard, and NASA JPL team work to create the most advanced payload-specific spacecraft at scale in weeks over months.

With world‑class advisors on our board, and fresh funding from top investors like Lux Capital, we’re always on the lookout for exceptional builders, fast learners, and ambitious engineers. Whether your passion lies in spacecraft systems, avionics, ML/AI, or advanced manufacturing, you’ll be collaborating across disciplines on real missions that fly, perform in orbit, and scale internationally.

We pair world-class AI/ML talent with top-tier satellite engineers under one roof to reimagine how space systems are built, starting from first principles. No bureaucracy. No legacy thinking.

If you think you’re a fit, we are extremely excited to meet you.

As a Generative Spacecraft Engineer - Mechanical, you’ll be one of the primary architects of our flight systems — designing, integrating, and testing spacecraft in a small, highly capable team. You’ll bridge mechanical and electrical disciplines, drive systems-level decisions, and physically build what you design.

This role is ideal for someone who’s taken a spacecraft from paper to launch pad, understands how to move fast without cutting corners, and thrives in environments where creativity meets accountability.

What You'll Do

As a Generative Spacecraft Engineer - Mechanical, you'll own significant parts of the spacecraft and help bridge the communication amongst the mechanical and electrical subsystems. You will be responsible for leading the systems engineering effort across the full life-cycle of the spacecraft. Your responsibilities will include:

Mechanical & Structural Design

• Lead the design of spacecraft mechanical subsystems: primary structures, mechanisms, enclosures, mounts, and deployables.
• Create detailed 3D models, drawings, and assemblies with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) to ensure manufacturability and precision.
• Design for light weight, stiffness, vibration performance, and ease of integration.
• Develop interface control documents (ICDs), system block diagrams, and subsystem-level requirements.

Fabrication & Machining

• Design, fabricate, and assemble spacecraft mechanical hardware — including in-house machining and rapid prototyping of parts.
• Operate or coordinate use of manual and CNC machining equipment, mills, lathes, and precision measurement tools.
• Collaborate with internal and external machinists, fabricators, and vendors to ensure high-quality production within spec.
• Support build, integration, and test campaigns, including fit checks, TVAC, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing.
• Drive improvements in DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and assembly workflows.

Systems & Integration

• Collaborate with avionics, propulsion, and GNC teams to ensure seamless mechanical-electrical integration.
• Assist in cable routing, power distribution layouts, and connector/interface design.
• Work hands-on during spacecraft assembly and environmental qualification.
• Support launch vehicle integration and pre-flight readiness activities.
• Lead or support reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and produce high-quality engineering documentation.

What You'll Bring

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft or satellite system design, integration, or testing.
• Demonstrated experience owning spacecraft systems from design through launch (highly preferred).
• Hands-on machining and fabrication experience, including use of CNC or manual mills/lathes, metrology tools, and shop safety practices.
• Proficiency in GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Experience with full spacecraft development cycle (from concept to launch).
• Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, NX) and Analysis (Ansys, Thermal Desktop)
• Understanding of mechanical design principles including tolerancing, fastener selection, and space-rated materials.
• Familiarity with electrical grounding, harness design, and power distribution concepts.
• Experience with software configuration management tools (e.g., Git, GitLab, Jira) and agile development methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven experience in documentation and structured communication amongst multi-disciplinary teams
• Not afraid to get under the hood of the software: experienced in Python scripting, API integration, and managing data via JSON
• Ability to carry 40lbs sometimes.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in a related engineering field.
• Background in harness routing and 3D CAD for wire bundle design.
• Experience with environmental testing: TVAC, vibe, shock, or EMI/EMC.
• Knowledge of radiation effects on electronics and mitigation strategies.
• Hands-on experience in cleanroom environments and hardware integration.
• Familiarity with system engineering tools like JIRA, JAMA, or DOORS.
• Exposure to launch vehicle integration and mission readiness activities.
• Prior technical leadership or mentorship experience.
• Willingness to work extended hours or weekends when necessary to meet mission-critical deadlines.

Pay Range

• Salary range: $110,000 - $164,000 / per year.
• This role is on-site in Hawthorne, CA

Benefits

• Equity
• Unlimited PTO
• Medical (Platinum coverage), Vision, & Dental Insurance
• Catering provided on-site everyday.