Mechanical Engineer (Vehicle Engineering), Senior or Staff-Level
How this pay compares
This posting states $130k–$219k a year. Open mechanical engineer jobs in California post a median of $158k a year, the middle half $130k–$180k, across 266 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
Mechanical engineers in California: pay by town and employer
About the job
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on - rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions.
The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way. As a Senior or Staff Mechanical Engineer, you will design, develop, test, and operate planetary rovers and related hardware. You will be responsible for producing high-performance designs for challenging environments, with cradle-to-grave accountability.
You will have the opportunity to develop and mentor other engineers while working on novel, complex mechanical systems. ## What you'll do - Design mechanical systems (structures, mechanisms, electro-mechanical, thermal, etc.) at both architectural and detailed levels - Own hardware products through the entire life cycle, from requirements definition all the way through to operational mission success and beyond - Produce detailed design documentation, including models, drawings, analysis packages, test plans, test reports, certification compliance, operations plans, and more - Build tools and infrastructure to make your team and the company more efficient - Work with leadership and design counterparts to define Astrolab best practices for design, analysis, and test ## Basic Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field - 4+ years of experience in a design role at a space company - Experience with CAD modeling and analytical skills (FEA, MATLAB, etc.) - Experience developing hardware to meet space industry design standards and best practices ## Preferred Qualifications - Master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field - Experience with NASA technical standards for design, analysis, and test - Experience with integrated systems and test of complex structures, mechanisms, deployables, electro-mechanical systems, thermal hardware, etc. - Experience with structural and thermal analysis methods and tools, kinematics & dynamics analysis, adjacent systems experience (power electronics, motor control, fluids, loads & dynamics, etc.) - Ability to mentor and develop more junior engineers, contractors, and interns ## Benefits and Perks - Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration - Equity ownership in the company - Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support - 401(k) plan with company match - Flexible PTO and parental leave - Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site - Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
From Astrolab's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Astrolab
Rovers that carry cargo and crews on the Moon and Mars.
Pay on its listings: 100% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Astrolab's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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