Principal Mechanical Engineer I
About the job
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you.
We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. We are looking to add a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer I to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment, and are passionate about developing leading-edge hardware for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you.
In this position, you will be responsible for the mechanical design of Cesium products through all phases of the development process. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in electronics packaging design, mechanical simulations and analyses, computer-aided design (CAD), spacecraft mechanical interfaces, and environmental qualification of electronic assemblies.
As a principal mechanical team member, you will be responsible for mechanical designs from initial concept design through requirements definition, detailed design, simulation, analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, and in-orbit support of Cesium's products.
Required skills and experience include thermal management design, precision machining principles, thermal simulation and analysis, shock and vibration simulation and analysis, electromagnetic interference/compatibility (EMI/EMC) mitigation techniques, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), finite element analysis (FEA), and cost analysis to develop, validate, and optimize mechanical designs.
Principal engineers also serve as technical and professional mentors in their field, helping to cultivate and develop junior engineers on the team. The successful candidate will also present engineering design review materials to our customers and executive team, as well as participate in proposal-writing efforts.
As such, excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. ## JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - A Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university or institution. - 9 years of industry experience in design and analysis of electronics packaging, including thermal, vibration, and stress dynamics hand calculations and simulations. - Expertise in aerospace and space industry design, development, and qualification. - Expert-level proficiency with electronics assemblies and experience working closely with electrical engineers on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs, CCAs). - Expert-level proficiency with professional mechanical CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA tools (Ansys preferred) - Experience with CNC manufacturing. - Experience with EMI/EMC mitigation techniques. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. ## Benefits - CesiumAstro is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and great benefits including competitive employer pension contributions, company-provided income protection and life insurance cover, an employee assistance program, and generous vacation and sick leave. - Tremendous scope for personal growth and professional development in a high-growth company. - A highly talented, passionate, international team that is changing the space industry. - Modern working environment.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Please be aware that many roles will be subject to both security and export control restrictions.
These restrictions mean that factors including new starter’s nationality, any previous or dual nationalities held, place of birth and country of residence may limit those roles that you can perform for the organisation. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms.
Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
From CesiumAstro'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 CesiumAstro
Software-defined radios, phased-array payloads and satcom terminals for space and defense.
Pay on its listings: 55.5% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on CesiumAstro's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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