Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer (AIT) to join a high-impact team supporting the design, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft mechanisms for a next-generation satellite constellation. This role is hands-on and mission-critical, focused on deployment systems and precision mechanisms rather than static structures.
Responsibilities
- Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft mechanisms including hinges, yokes, actuators, HDRMs, and deployable booms/arms with thousands of moving parts per satellite
- Develop and operate ground support equipment for vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum testing of deployment hardware
- Perform tolerance stack-up analysis and ensure alignment in moving assemblies for reliable deployment
- Analyze test data and determine pass/fail criteria, supporting spacecraft integration and launch operations
- Troubleshoot anomalies and perform root-cause analysis on deployment systems; contribute to design improvements for mechanisms that fail to deploy cleanly
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers and technicians to ensure mechanism performance from design through mission deployment
- Calculate torque margins and hinge preload requirements for deployment actuators and separation systems
Skills
- 0-4 years of hands-on experience in aerospace mechanisms, deployment systems, or precision mechanical assemblies (structures-only experience will not suffice)
- Proficiency in mechanical assembly, testing, and integration of space hardware, including deployable systems
- Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo) and test equipment (oscilloscopes, thermal chambers)
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Strong understanding of beam loading, bending moments, torque margins, and tolerance stack-ups in moving assemblies
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; ability to lead failure investigations
- Flexibility for occasional weekend and early morning work (e.g., 4 AM deployments)
- Must be eligible to work in the United States and pass a background check
- Location: 100% onsite in Midland, TX
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 401K
- PTO
- Sick Leave as required by law
- Holidays
- Relocation assistance
- RSUs
- Meal Stipend
- Unlimited PTO (after 90 days)
Company Overview
Zachary Piper Solutions is an IT company providing government contracting solutions in support of the nation’s Intelligence Community. It was founded in 2011, and is headquartered in Mclean, Virginia, USA, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is http://zacharypiper.com/.Company H1B Sponsorship
Zachary Piper Solutions has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 1 in 2022, 1 in 2021. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.
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