Lead Mechanical Engineer, Laser Communications

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 2024 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 Role:

The Payload Mechanical team is looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to act as the responsible engineer for the mechanical design of our laser communications payloads. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated expert with deep experience in high-reliability space systems, comfortable driving everything from early architecture and trade studies to hands-on integration and environmental qualification. This role spans opto-mechanical packaging, pointing and tracking mechanisms, thermal management, and structural qualification-from early concept through flight. You will lead a team of mechanical engineers and work closely with optical, laser, thermal, and systems engineers to deliver a flight-ready laser comm system. Previous experience driving end-to-end mechanical development of complex electro-mechanical or opto-mechanical flight hardware in a fast-paced environment is required.

Responsibilities:

• Own the mechanical architecture of laser communications payloads, including opto-mechanical structures, pointing systems, thermal interfaces, and harness routing, from concept through production

• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, setting technical direction, review standards, and execution pace

• Define and own interfaces and technical budgets across the laser comm payload

• Drive structural and thermal analysis efforts, working with analysts to validate designs against requirements

• Develop and maintain mechanical drawings, GD&T specifications, and ICDs for internal manufacture and external vendors

• Define and execute mechanical integration and test plans, including environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)

• Perform system-level trade studies on packaging, mass, and structural performance to optimize the payload architecture

• Represent the mechanical team in design reviews and system-level discussions

• Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, laser, electrical, and spacecraft teams to ensure compatibility at all mechanical interfaces

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering for flight hardware in aerospace or defense programs

• Demonstrated experience as the technical lead or authority on the mechanical design of complex electro-mechanical or opto-mechanical flight hardware

• Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and engineering drawing/GD&T

• Experience with structural analysis and thermal modeling tools

• Experience taking flight hardware through environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)

• Strong understanding of materials, standards, and manufacturing processes for high-reliability flight hardware

• Experience managing direct reports or leading a technical team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

• 8+ years of experience developing flight hardware for space or defense programs

• Experience with opto-mechanical design and alignment-sensitive structures

• Experience designing or qualifying mechanisms for space flight environments (motors, actuators, bearings, flexures)

• Familiarity with laser communications systems or free-space optical terminals

• Experience with deployable or articulating structures subject to launch loads

• Hands-on experience with flight hardware integration and alignment in a lab or cleanroom environment

• Prior experience as a technical lead or engineering manager on a flight program

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is$XXX,XXX - $XXX,XXX 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 insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per calendar year

• Paid parental leave

• Relocation assistance if applicable

• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

• Export 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. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This 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.