Astrolab

Mechanical Engineer (Vehicle Engineering), Senior or Staff-Level

12536 Chadron Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250

On-site · Full-time · $130k–$219k (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.

As a Senior or Staff Mechanical Engineer, you will design, develop, test, and operate planetary rovers and related hardware. You will be responsible for producing high-performance designs for challenging environments, with cradle-to-grave accountability. You will have the opportunity to develop and mentor other engineers while working on novel, complex mechanical systems.

What you'll do:

Design mechanical systems (structures, mechanisms, electro-mechanical, thermal, etc.) at both architectural and detailed levels
Own hardware products through the entire life cycle, from requirements definition all the way through to operational mission success and beyond
Produce detailed design documentation, including models, drawings, analysis packages, test plans, test reports, certification compliance, operations plans, and more
Build tools and infrastructure to make your team and the company more efficient
Work with leadership and design counterparts to define Astrolab best practices for design, analysis, and test

What you'll bring:

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field
4+ years of experience in a design role at a space company
Experience with CAD modeling and analytical skills (FEA, MATLAB, etc.)
Experience developing hardware to meet space industry design standards and best practices

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field
Experience with NASA technical standards for design, analysis, and test
Experience with integrated systems and test of complex structures, mechanisms, deployables, electro-mechanical systems, thermal hardware, etc.
Experience with structural and thermal analysis methods and tools, kinematics & dynamics analysis, adjacent systems experience (power electronics, motor control, fluids, loads & dynamics, etc.)
Ability to mentor and develop more junior engineers, contractors, and interns

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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