Responsibilities

As a Mechanical Engineer – Solar Array Deployable Structures, you will be the responsible engineer for the large deployable structure that supports and positions our solar array. This is a mechanisms-first, hands-on role: you will architect and own the deployment mechanism along with its actuation, latching, and stowage, and the structural design that makes a very large deployed structure stiff, light, and reliable. You will own this hardware end to end, from concept and analysis through the ground testbeds used to prove it out, qualification, and on-orbit deployment.
Deploying a very large structure reliably is the central challenge of the role. You will work closely with structures, manufacturing, GN&C, power, avionics, propulsion, and software teams to deliver an integrated array. We’re looking for a strong deployable-mechanism background paired with solid structural analysis skills—someone who can move quickly, iterate often, and take full ownership of hardware that directly determines whether our spacecraft gets the power it needs on orbit.
Own the design of the deployable structure’s mechanism from concept through flight, including actuation, deployment sequencing, latching and locking at full extension, and stowage and launch restraint.
Design and analyze the deployment kinematics, actuation, synchronization, and end-of-travel latching, and quantify deployment reliability, force/torque margin, and jam resistance.
Design mechanism details—bearings, guides, drives, dampers, and release devices—with attention to tribology, space-rated lubrication, and repeatable, low-shock deployment.
Perform structural analysis of the deployed and stowed structure—deployed stiffness and fundamental frequency, buckling and stability, strength, and thermal distortion—and design to meet stiffness and pointing requirements.
Design the interfaces to the solar array and its supporting hardware, balancing structural stiffness against operational loads and dynamics.
Design, build, and operate ground testbeds and dev rigs, including gravity-offload deployment fixtures for a very large structure, to characterize the mechanism, validate deployment, and de-risk the flight design.
Develop and execute deployment, life/cycle, structural static/modal, vibration, thermal-vacuum, and qualification/acceptance test programs to verify flight-worthiness.
Drive design-for-manufacturing of long, precision structural elements—tolerances, straightness, and repeatability—and work with suppliers to ensure high-quality, scalable production.
Author and maintain drawings, interface control documents, analysis reports, test procedures, and release/configuration records.
Diagnose and resolve mechanism and structural anomalies during integration and test, applying root-cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.

Mechanical Engineer | Solar Array Deployable Structures at Cowboyspace · LumiJobs

Mechanical Engineer | Solar Array Deployable Structures

Responsibilities

Qualification

Required

Preferred

Benefits

Company

Cowboyspace

More roles at Cowboyspace