Senior Mechanical Engineer – Ground Systems

Full-time onsite role in the San Francisco Bay Area

Industry: Aerospace / Launch Infrastructure

We’re working with a space company that’s all about making access to orbit easier and more routine. They build launch vehicles and satellite propulsion tech to help create a more connected world from space.

Their Ground Systems team handles the infrastructure that supports launches – everything from propellant systems to payload prep and safety setups. They design mobile, shippable systems that can be deployed and operated globally.

Looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to help design and build the next wave of ground support equipment. This is a mix of mechanical design, fluid systems, and getting your hands dirty with fabrication and integration. You’ll own projects from initial concepts through CAD, analysis, build, and field operations while collaborating across teams for safe and reliable launch support.

What you’ll do:

• Design mechanical and fluid systems for launch pads and ground support using CAD tools like NX
• Develop P&IDs, schematics, and operational diagrams
• Run structural analyses including bolted joints and GD&T
• Write clear procedures for startup, shutdown, and emergency ops
• Support hands-on build, integration, and deployment of propellant, environmental, and safety systems
• Partner with propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing teams on interfaces and testing
• Drive improvements for better modularity, field reliability, and ease of maintenance
• Participate in design reviews and capture lessons learned

What you bring:

• 5+ years in mechanical or process engineering, ideally with full product lifecycle experience
• Solid background in fluid systems, piping, or mechanical integration
• Strong mechanical design skills with bolted joint analysis
• Hands-on experience taking designs from concept to fabrication and testing
• Proficiency in CAD and basic thermal/fluid analysis
• Familiarity with GD&T and drawing standards
• Bachelor’s in Mechanical, Process, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering

Nice to have:

• Experience with cryogenics or high-pressure systems
• Knowledge of ASME B31.3, AWS standards, or similar
• Background in launch ops, field systems, or aerospace manufacturing
• Comfort working in small, fast-moving teams
• Ability to bridge structural, fluid, and controls work

Why this role:

• Build tangible systems that directly enable orbital launches
• Own your designs end-to-end and see them operate in the field
• Work alongside sharp engineers tackling complex mechanical and fluid challenges
• Competitive equity with real growth potential
• Hands-on environment with the team building the hardware daily

Location: San Francisco Bay Area Full-time onsite (no relocation support)

Equity: Stock options with strong upside

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

Adam Slade