Mechanical Engineer III or IV
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
How this pay compares
This posting states $125k–$167k 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
Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.
Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we’re building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what’s next. And we’re doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart. You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity's future.
Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We’re a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality. If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person,forge the future with Voyager.
TheMechanical Engineeris responsible for owning the mechanical design and analysis from concept through flight, working closely with electrical/RF engineers, systems engineers, and program management to deliver flight hardware that survives launch and performs in the space environment.
This is a hands-on, high-ownership role for someone who wants to see a design through its full lifecycle from early trade studies and requirements, through analysis, drawings, fabrication, test, and flight. The position reports to the Mechanical Engineering Manager and is part of the Engineering department based in San Diego, CA.
This role is 100% onsite. - Own hardware through its full lifecycle - from concept and requirements through design, analysis, build, test, and delivery. - Design mechanical enclosures, structures, systems, and mounting solutions for spacecraft hardware. - Perform structural and thermal analysis to verify design margins against launch loads, on-orbit thermal environments, and mission requirements. - Generate detailed part and assembly drawings suitable for fabrication and inspection. - Collaborate closely with electrical and RF engineers on PCB layout, packaging, and mechanical-electrical integration. - Develop manufacturing instructions and work with fabrication/assembly technicians to build flight and engineering hardware. - Write environmental test procedures (TVAC, sine/random vibration, shock) and support test execution and data review. - Actively contribute to the enhancement of team tools, templates, processes, and standards. ## Basic Qualifications - BS or higher degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or equivalent work experience. - 6+ years of mechanical/electromechanical design experience. - Knowledge of space flight requirements, standards and environments is required. - Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals: statics, dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics, materials, and fabrication. - An excellent communicator and proficient in development and delivery of presentations across a range of settings, including formal design reviews. - Experience with FEA (SolidWorks, Ansys, or similar) to validate structural, thermal, vibrational, performance against program requirements. - 3D CAD proficiency in SolidWorks and ability to understand and apply GD&T per ASME-Y14.5 to create high-quality engineering drawings. - Understanding of machining and mechanical assembly as it impacts design. - Experience writing manufacturing instructions. - Highly motivated, self-starting, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision. ## Preferred Qualifications - Experience integrating electronic components (PCBAs, motors, sensors etc.) into mechanical designs for space or military applications. - Structural or thermal testing experience – TVAC, thermal cycling, random vibration, shock. ## Government Mandated Requirements - Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance The good faith base salary range for this role is$125,000–$167,000at the time of this posting.
Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future. Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees.
Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being. - Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees - Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more!
No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll - 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long-term financial security - Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being - Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources - The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. To conform to U.S.
Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730–774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3).
Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice. California pay range $125,000 - $167,000 USD
From Voyager Technologies'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 Voyager Technologies
Defense, national security and space technology, including the Starlab space station.
Pay on its listings: 85.6% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Voyager Technologies's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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