Astrolab

Mechanical Engineer (Vehicle Engineering), Entry to Mid-Level

12536 Chadron Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250

On-site · Full-time · $100k–$157k (as posted)

First seen by offpeak October 6, 2026

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Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

The Astrolab design team works collaboratively to design, develop and implement exceptional engineering solutions to enable off planet exploration. As a Mechanical Engineer within that team, you will be responsible for the design, development, test, flight, and operation of novel structures, mechanisms, and thermal hardware critical to the Astrolab lunar rover. You will report to our mechanical engineering manager.

What you'll do:

Collaborate with the engineering design team to understand the mechanical needs of the Astrolab rover, leveraging experience to contribute to the evolution of the design
Design and analysis of mechanical systems at the full system, sub system, and component level using software simulation methods and experimental test data
Define component requirements, understand lunar operational constraints and effectively communicate these within the team
Make flight hardware selection decisions and develop the build flow for integrating this hardware into the vehicle for flight
Develop test plans to validate and qualify mechanical subsystems for flight, coordinating with both in-house and external test facilities to execute testing

What you'll bring:

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field
3+ years of experience in mechanical system engineering
Experience using CAD software for part modeling and development
Experience using software packages for finite element modeling and analysis
Experience in design for manufacturing and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing of parts

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field
Experience in the engineering of structures, mechanisms, electro-mechanical systems, thermal hardware
Experience planning and executing flight hardware development programs from the ground up
Experience specifying and executing hardware qualification and acceptance test programs
Ability to mentor and develop more junior mechanical engineers to build an effective design team

Benefits and Perks

Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

Reports To

Andrew Welter

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