Orbit Fab's mission is to create the foundational infrastructure that will fuel a bustling in-space economy, capable of sustaining permanent jobs in space.
Today, satellites cannot be refueled, which severely constrains their mobility and inhibits the development of economic activities in space.
Orbit Fab breaks the single-use paradigm, pioneering our Gas Stations in Space™ refueling infrastructure and RAFTI™ technology to deliver propellant in space, enabling lower-cost satellite construction, increased maneuverability, precise control, and extended lifespans. The possibilities are unprecedented, opening the doors to unimagined operational strategies and business models.
Since our establishment in 2018, we have already achieved the successful launch of three tankers to space. With offices in both the US and UK, we are working in close collaboration with partners and customers across the space industry. Orbit Fab is rapidly ramping up capabilities and requires exceptional talent to tackle important challenges. Our roles offer wide ranging opportunities to have a demonstrable impact and enable a bustling in space economy.
Mechanical Engineer
ROLE PURPOSE
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will support the engineering team in design, analysis, testing and prototyping of flight hardware for spacecraft and refuelling equipment. You will contribute directly to the development of UK developed refuelling technologies, as well as to system level definition of mechanical architectures. You’ll be tasked with investigating design problems, providing justification of decision making and bringing a sound technical approach. This position will allow you to work independently and exercise your judgment, as well as be part of a cross-specialty team to solve the engineering problems that accompany developing space-bound hardware.
This position is open to multiple levels of experience and exact roles/responsibilities will be tailored to the selected candidate. Don’t hesitate to apply if you are more or less experienced than listed. Below are the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities that we need to have as a team. Your aptitude for complex technical challenges and your practical experience solving problems and designing/building/coding will trump specific qualification or tools. We describe here the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities that we need to have as a team.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Mechanical engineering design including spacecraft, structures, MGSE, actuators and mechanisms
- Mechanical system architecture affecting the mission as a whole and the products that will interface with the hardware
- Analyses required to satisfy internal requirements for hardware performance, life, and environment
- Modelling and design documentation of the mechanical systems using CAD
- Support of assembly and test including performance, shock, vibration, and space environments
- Proactively identify roadblocks to technical progress and take steps to mitigate/avoid
- Produce a quality engineering product on time
- Support BD activities from an engineering perspective
- Give effective presentations to the team and customers
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department. Interact appropriately with others to maintain a positive and productive work environment
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in Mechanical (or Aerospace) Engineering with 4+ years of experience OR MS with 3+ years of experience
- Proficient with computer aided design and analysis tools
- Experience developing mechanical structures or mechanism systems for space applications
- Shows initiative by demonstrating personal ownership of designs, seeking input from the Systems and cross functional engineers
- Can work autonomously, views work with a critical eye, prepares and gives peer reviews of work prior to critical milestones to peers.
- Collaborative and team focused
- Excellent communication, analytical, organisational, strategic, and statistical skills
- An effective sense of urgency and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, small company environment
NICE TO HAVES
- Experience with LabView and MATLAB
- Experience with SolidWorks CAD software
- Experience with analysis software tools, such as Ansys
- Have flown flight hardware and followed through on designs from inception to final qualified product
- Have experience working with thermal and electrical teams to make better mechanical decisions for product development
- Expertise working spacecraft or launch vehicle operations
- Familiarity with rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) flight operations
Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Orbit Fab, we value respectful debate and people who aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you feel you would succeed in the role above.
SALARY
The estimated salary range for this position is £45,000-£65,000, depending on experience.
BENEFITS
Our benefits package includes:
- Highly competitive salary
- Education Allowance – £2.5k annual
- Private Healthcare – up to £2k annual
- Competitive stock-based compensation
- Competitive pension scheme
LOCATION
The UK Orbit Fab office is based at Harwell Campus, the UK’s preeminent gateway to the space industry, and only a short drive from Oxford with convenient access to London.
ELIGIBILITY
Candidate must have the right to work in the UK.
Orbit Fab does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organisation, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
