Senior Mechanical Engineer
- US citizenship
How this pay compares
This posting states $145k–$175k 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
## OUR COMPANY As an early mover in the in-space transportation and infrastructure services, Momentus is at the forefront of the commercialization of space. With an experienced team of aerospace, propulsion, and robotics engineers, Momentus has developed a cost-effective and energy-efficient in-space transport system. ## OUR PEOPLE Daring problems require daring solutions.
We boldly charge into uncharted territory knowing that no matter the outcome we will benefit from the journey and move closer to our goals no matter what. Our teams know that working at Momentus means more than building innovative technology, it means creating entirely new markets in the space economy.
We are level-headed, business-minded strategic thinkers intent on providing immediate value to our customers today while simultaneously preparing for the vast possibilities of the future.
If this sounds like you, we should talk. ## JOB SUMMARY The Senior Mechanical Engineer will participate in the mechanical, structural, and thermal design of flight spacecraft and will follow programs through execution of assembly, integration, and test.
The ideal candidate should be accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and quickly adapting to new challenges. ## Key Responsibilities - Mechanical design of spacecraft components including primary structure, support structure, brackets, electronics enclosures, bulkheads, wire harness, and more. - Design of components and assemblies in CAD. Solidworks.
Duro PLM. - Routing of plumbing lines for propellant feed system and thrusters. - Work with structural analysts to ensure structural integrity of the spacecraft and all components during all phases of launch. - Work with thermal analysts to ensure all components are maintained within acceptable temperature limits. - Conduct mechanical testing of systems and components including vibration testing, static load testing, and shock testing. - May be asked to support TVAC testing on an as-needed basis.
Required Skills and Experience - Demonstrated experience with detail design of mechanical hardware. - Experience defining requirements for mechanical systems and components. - Familiarity with the space environment and how it affects mechanical hardware. - Familiarity with material selection and material coatings for space applications. - General understanding of spacecraft structural loads (quasi-static loads, random vibration, shock, thermo-mechanical) - Ability to work independently. - Excellent technical communications skills. - Good written and verbal communications skills.
Desired Skills and Experience - Experience designing, manufacturing, and testing space hardware with demonstrated on-orbit success. - Experience running TVAC tests. - Thermal and fluidic analysis experience is a strong asset.
Education & Work Experience - BS in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Mechanics - 5-10 years relevant experience. ## Compensation Annual Base Salary Range: $145,000 - $175,000/per year Base pay is one part of our total compensation package (base+bonus+equity) and is determined within a range. Your actual base salary will be determined on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Our benefit plans include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k retirement plan, short and long term disability and life insurance. We also offer flexible PTO, along with 11 paid holidays, sick time and paid parental leave. This is a full-time position in San Jose, California. This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services.
U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. To all recruitment agencies: Momentus does not accept agency resumes.
Please do not forward resumes to our employees or any company email. Momentus will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
From Momentus'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 Momentus
Orbital transfer vehicles and in-space infrastructure services.
Pay on its listings: 100% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Momentus's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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