Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Ground Systems (Launch Infrastructure)

Onsite – Bay Area, CA; $140,000 – $180,000 + Bonus & Benefits; US Citizens or US Persons only (due to ITAR regulations).

We’re working with a next-generation space launch company that’s redefining how rockets are launched—literally. They’re building modular, mobile launch infrastructure that can be shipped anywhere in the world and deployed rapidly. Think : a launchpad that is designed to operate from virtually any remote location.

This is a hardware-led team developing scalable, ultra-low-cost launch solutions in a fast-moving environment. Their mission? Rapid-response access to space at a cadence that puts legacy providers to shame.

To support their upcoming launch campaigns, they’re now hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and integration of ground fluid systems, including propellant loading, fire suppression, environmental control, and other pad-critical infrastructure.

Your Mission

You’ll be part of a small, high-performing Ground Systems team, responsible for turning blank sheets of paper into working systems—fast. This role focuses on the design and build of mechanical and fluidic systems to support rocket testing and launches. The equipment you develop will be deployed in real-world environments and form a cornerstone of their ability to launch from anywhere, anytime.

What You’ll Work On

Design fluid and mechanical systems in CAD (NX preferred)

Create and maintain P&IDs and flow diagrams

Define startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures

Perform thermal / fluid analysis for system sizing and validation

Oversee build, integration, and field testing of systems

Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and launch operations teams

Drive performance improvements and maintainability for deployed systems

Occasionally assist with structural mechanisms (release systems, rigging)

Ideal Background

5+ years of experience in mechanical / process / fluid systems engineering

Track record designing and building complex piping or process systems (aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, chemical, food processing, etc.)

Hands-on experience getting hardware into the field and making it work

Proficient in CAD and fluid system layout

Experience with cryogenic, high-pressure, or pyrophoric systems

Familiarity with standards such as ASME B31.3, AWS D10.18, etc.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Process, or Aerospace Engineering

Bonus Points For

Experience designing deployable / fielded systems (e.g., military, mobile labs, trailers, etc.)

Aerospace / launchpad safety standards or GSE / EGSE experience

Ability to move between structural and fluid systems as needed

Passion for hardware – whether it’s rockets, race cars, or industrial systems

Strong ownership mindset – you’ve taken a system from napkin sketch to finished product

What Makes This Team Special :

They build

real systems . If you like cutting steel and turning wrenches, you’ll love this.

It’s

hands-on engineering

at the heart of launch operations, not buried in a spreadsheet.

The team is lean. You’ll get

full ownership , creative freedom, and real career growth.

You’ll be involved in

design, build, test, and launch . Not just one part of the process.

You’ll help build infrastructure that

goes to remote sites and launches rockets . From scratch.

Relocation assistance available. 100% Onsite in the Bay Area – no remote options. 2-stage process : Technical screen + final manager call. CEO often calls final-stage candidates directly for a quick intro chat.

Drop your CV or reach out for a confidential chat.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade

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