Mechanical Engineer (Solar)

Company Overview: Starcloud is building a network of data centers in space, starting at kilowatts and scaling to gigawatt capacity. Falling launch costs allow us to take advantage of the abundant energy, radiative cooling techniques, and ability to rapidly scale in space. Join our team, push the boundaries of the space economy, and be part of this pioneering effort to redefine the future of energy. Position Overview: As a Mechanical Engineer (Solar) at Starcloud, you will be at the heart of designing, developing, and integrating the power-generation backbone for our space-based data centers. You will own the full lifecycle of our solar array mechanical systems, from concept and deployment kinematics to orbital operation, working closely with senior leadership and multidisciplinary teams to rapidly and iteratively deliver low cost, reliable space hardware at huge scale. Key Responsibilities: • Design and Development: • Create and manage detailed CAD models from the component level up to the spacecraft level, accounting for complex stowed (launch) and deployed (orbital) configurations. • Perform structural, kinematic, and thermal analyses using FEA and hand calculations to ensure solar hardware survives launch and performs during in-orbit thermo-elastic cycling. • Own the lifecycle of mechanical components, iteratively driving projects from initial concept through to manufacturing, testing, and deployment. • Collaborate on system-level requirements and design criteria to develop holistic DFM strategies that optimize for manufacturability, cost, and reliability. • Ensure timely project delivery with high standards of quality and performance through pragmatic project management. • Testing and Validation: • Design and execute comprehensive test plans to validate designs under launch and space environments. • Perform rigorous environmental and performance testing to demonstrate compliance with requirements. • Production and Integration: • Partner with supply chain and manufacturing teams to establish efficient production processes. • Optimize designs for ease of integration and production. • Collaborate with vendors to ensure the flawless delivery and integration of mechanical components. Basic Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. • Proficiency with advanced CAD software, ideally NX and teamcenter. • Experience with FEA software for high-fidelity structural analysis, ideally Ansys. • Minimum of 2+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing. • Strong understanding and application of GD&T principles. Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline. • 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design of solar products • Expertise in materials selection, advanced manufacturing methods, and surface treatments for space applications. • Experience with PCB design and PCBA mechanical integration. Compensation and Benefits: Annual salary: L1: $105,000 - $140,000 L2: $140,000 - $190,000 L3: $170,000 - $215,000 Starcloud offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including: • Stock options, discretionary bonuses, and other long-term incentives. • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage. • 401(k) retirement plan with company match. • Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave. • Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Additional Requirements: • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones. • Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations. Equal Opportunity Employer: Starcloud is committed to fostering an inclusive and meritocratic workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify our Human Resources Department. Join Starcloud and shape the future! Embrace the challenge, push technological boundaries, and contribute to solving the global energy challenge. Apply today to join our visionary team dedicated to innovation and advancing humanity. We receive many applications, and so we apologize that we may not be able to respond to every applicant.