Mechanical Engineer II, Structures & Layout

Katalyst Description:

Katalyst is an American technology companyfocused on dynamic space operations.We are building a fleet ofdual-use multipurposerobotic space vehiclestocreate thefuture where maneuvering upgrading refuelingresupplyand exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained responsive operations possible we enable a new era of spaceexplorationthat strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense hands-on and deeply rewarding. Youll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility craftsmanship and doing things the right way even when its harder. Youll work closely with thoughtful driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

WhatYoullDo

• Supportspacecraft and payload mechanical layout from early concept through detailed design integration qualification and flight balancing packaging mass properties access interfaces manufacturability and schedule.

• Develop andmaintaintop-level CAD assemblies vehicle envelopes coordinate systems keep-out zones interface geometry and configuration-controlled layouts that serve as the mechanical source of truth for cross-functional teams.

• Design primary and secondary spacecraft structures brackets panels decks mounts equipment supports and mechanical interfaces using sound load-path stiffness strength fatigue thermal-distortion and vibration principles.

• Perform and review hand calculations and finite element analyses for static modal vibration and shock environments; correlate models with test data and use results to drive design decisions.

• Drive spacecraft packaging trades across avionics harnessing propulsion GNC sensors thermal hardware payloads mechanisms and structures resolving competing volume access field-of-view center-of-mass and integration constraints.

• Partner closely with manufacturing and technicians to support prototype and flight builds resolve drawing and fit issues improve DFM/DFA and ensure released designs can be assembled inspected serviced and tested efficiently.

• Contribute to design reviews failure-mode analysis mass-property tracking configuration control and flight-readiness decisions with clear high-quality engineering documentation.

WhatWereLooking For

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• 3-4years of experience designing packaging analyzing and releasing mechanical hardware for spacecraft launch vehiclesaircraft robotics defense systems or other high-reliability products.

• Demonstratedproficiencywith 3D CAD for complex assemblies and top-level layouts including configuration management interface definition and detailed drawing release.

• Strong mechanical fundamentals including statics dynamics mechanics of materials load paths stiffness joints/fasteners vibration thermal effects and material failure modes.

• Experience performing hand calculations and structural analysis using FEA to assess static strength modal behavior vibration shock or related flight environments.

• Ability to work across mechanical electrical avionics GNC propulsion thermal manufacturing quality and systems teams to resolve interface and integration issues.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced highly collaborative environment where ownership iteration speed craftsmanship and sound engineering judgment are essential.

Your Ideal Background

Preferred

• Experience developing spacecraft structures or payload mechanical systems through qualification and flight integration.

• Experience owning spacecraft configuration/layout mechanical architecture equipment placement or payload packaging on a tightly integrated vehicle.

• Experience integrating avionics harnesses propulsion components tanks thermal hardware GNC sensors mechanisms or payloads into constrained spacecraft volumes.

• Experience in startup or rapid-development environments with minimal oversight and frequent design iteration.

• Systems-level mindset and ability to understand how a mechanical layout decision affects thermal electrical GNC mass properties and operations.

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $110000 - $140000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical vision and dental coverage and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130 which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information and as a result Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or national origin.