Senior Mechanical Engineer – Ground Systems (Launch Infrastructure)
Onsite – Bay Area, CA
$140,000 – $180,000 + Bonus & Benefits

US Citizens or US Persons only (due to ITAR regulations)

We’re working with a next-generation space launch company that’s redefining how rockets are launched-literally. They’re building modular, mobile launch infrastructure that can be shipped anywhere in the world and deployed rapidly. Think: a launchpad that designed to operate from virtually any remote location.

This is a hardware-led team developing scalable, ultra-low-cost launch solutions in a fast-moving environment. Their mission? Rapid-response access to space at a cadence that puts legacy providers to shame.

To support their upcoming launch campaigns, they’re now hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and integration of ground fluid systems, including propellant loading, fire suppression, environmental control, and other pad-critical infrastructure.

Your Mission

You’ll be part of a small, high-performing Ground Systems team, responsible for turning blank sheets of paper into working systems-fast. This role focuses on the design and build of mechanical and fluidic systems to support rocket testing and launches. The equipment you develop will be deployed in real-world environments and form a cornerstone of their ability to launch from anywhere, anytime.

What You’ll Work On

• Design fluid and mechanical systems in CAD (NX preferred)

• Create and maintain P&IDs and flow diagrams

• Define startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures

• Perform thermal/fluid analysis for system sizing and validation

• Oversee build, integration, and field testing of systems

• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and launch operations teams

• Drive performance improvements and maintainability for deployed systems

• Occasionally assist with structural mechanisms (release systems, rigging)

✅ Ideal Background

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical/process/fluid systems engineering

• Track record designing and building complex piping or process systems (aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, chemical, food processing, etc.)

• Hands-on experience getting hardware into the field and making it work

• Proficient in CAD and fluid system layout

• Experience with cryogenic, high-pressure, or pyrophoric systems

• Familiarity with standards such as ASME B31.3, AWS D10.18, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Process, or Aerospace Engineering

⚙️ Bonus Points For

• Experience designing deployable/fielded systems (e.g., military, mobile labs, trailers, etc.)

• Aerospace/launchpad safety standards or GSE/EGSE experience

• Ability to move between structural and fluid systems as needed

• Passion for hardware – whether it’s rockets, race cars, or industrial systems

• Strong ownership mindset – you’ve taken a system from napkin sketch to finished product

What Makes This Team Special:

• They build real systems. If you like cutting steel and turning wrenches, you’ll love this.

• It’s hands-on engineering at the heart of launch operations, not buried in a spreadsheet.

• The team is lean. You’ll get full ownership, creative freedom, and real career growth.

• You’ll be involved in design, build, test, and launch. Not just one part of the process.

• You’ll help build infrastructure that goes to remote sites and launches rockets. From scratch.

Relocation assistance available
100% Onsite in the Bay Area – no remote options
2-stage process: Technical screen + final manager call
CEO often calls final-stage candidates directly for a quick intro chat

Drop your CV or reach out for a confidential chat.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade