Mechanical&Thermal - Mechanical Design Engineer

At Orbital Paradigm, we design, develop, manufacture, and operate reusable orbital logistics systems. Our spacecraft perform multiple orbital mission profiles and return safely to Earth through hypersonic atmospheric reentry and landing with pinpoint accuracy for rapid refurbishment and reuse.

Role Description

We are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our mechanical engineering team. The role covers the full hardware development lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing.

The position requires strong practical engineering capability in mechanical design, CAD modelling, manufacturing processes, tolerancing, technical drawings, fabrication methods, and mechanical interfaces. The engineer will work closely with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver flight-ready hardware.

This is a hands-on role involving direct participation in fabrication, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and test activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop 3D CAD models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings
• Design mechanical systems, structures, mechanisms, and interfaces
• Perform tolerance analysis and apply GD&T principles
• Select materials, fastening methods, and manufacturing approaches
• Ensure designs meet functional, manufacturability, and integration requirements
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, BOMs, and CAD models
• Interface with suppliers, machine shops, and manufacturing partners
• Participate directly in hardware fabrication, machining, assembly, and integration activities
• Support spacecraft and subsystem integration campaigns, including hands-on assembly and fit-check activities
• Support functional, environmental, and qualification testing campaigns
• Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing, integration, and test-related hardware issues and non-conformances
• Contribute to iterative design improvements based on manufacturing and test results
• Collaborate across disciplines to support successful system development
• Participate in design reviews and technical trade studies

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant professional experience in aerospace, automotive, or other high-performance industries.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Strong mechanical design and engineering fundamentals
• Proficiency with CAD tools (such as Hypermesh, SolidWorks, CATIA, or equivalent)
• Experience producing manufacturing drawings and technical documentation
• Practical understanding of mechanical manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, integration, materials, fastening systems, and GD&T/tolerancing.
• Demonstrated end-to-end experience designing, manufacturing, assembling, and validating at least one mechanical component or hardware subsystem from concept through production and test
• Experience with spacecraft structures, aerospace mechanical hardware, or mechanically demanding flight or high-performance systems.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced hardware development environments
• Strong problem-solving ability and analytical mindset.
• Full proficiency in English, written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing satellite structures, subsystems, or complex electromechanical systems
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards such as ECSS, NASA, or MIL
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes (machining, composites, additive manufacturing).
• Basic proficiency with one or more programming languages such as Python and MATLAB.
• Experience in a startup or small-company environment with fast design iterations.
• Good proficiency in Spanish

What We Value

• Excellence in technical work, execution, and professional conduct
• Strong ownership mindset, with the ability to drive activities to clear outcomes through accountability, proactivity, and resourcefulness
• Clear, efficient, direct, and constructive communication
• Team-first attitude with low ego and strong cross-functional collaboration

What We Offer

• Location: Madrid, Spain (office-first)
• Flexible hybrid work (2 days/week from home + 2 fully remote weeks/year)
• 30 vacation days (23 flexible, +7 during holidays).
• Salary depending on experience and profile between 40'000 and 55'000 EUR gross per year
• Relocation package depending on seniority and profile
• Flexible compensation (meal vouchers, health insurance, public transport)
• Company shares plan