Mechanical Engineer II, Structures & Layout

Katalyst Description:

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations.  We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and 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 space exploration that 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. You’ll 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 it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. 

What You’ll Do  

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

• Develop and maintain top-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. 

What We’re Looking For  

Required  

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline. 

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

• Demonstrated proficiency with 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 $110,000 - $140,000 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.