Director of Mechanical Engineering

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to delivering Space Solar Energy to the world. We operate at the intersection of space infrastructure and energy abundance, providing baseload power across entire continents 24/7, without seasonality or the need for batteries. Headquartered in the Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.The RoleThis position leads the design, development, and testing of spacecraft mechanical systems from concept through integration and launch. The role blends hands-on engineering with technical leadership, driving the creation and implementation of structural assemblies, mechanisms, and deployment systems. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in spacecraft mechanical design, thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, and takes ownership from initial concept through full system integration. You will collaborate closely with systems, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet mission requirements, reliability standards, and production readiness.Key ResponsibilitiesBuild and guide a top-tier mechanical and design engineering team, fostering a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement.Cultivate strong cross-functional partnerships, spanning production and manufacturing engineering, to drive alignment and remove organizational barriers.Set the technical direction for complex mechanical hardware development across multiple projects and product lines.Steer design reviews alongside cross-functional stakeholders, making key trade-off decisions that balance performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability.Own the full design lifecycle from early concept through integration and verification, maintaining technical rigor at each milestone.Lead hands-on diagnostic efforts in the lab, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions with a bias toward speed.Support forecasting of product and program pipelines to inform engineering capacity and resource planning.Provide strategic input on technology licensing opportunities and acquisitions that expand the organization's product and systems portfolio.Drive production velocity by proactively identifying constraints, resolving issues at pace, and embedding lasting corrective actions.Partner with external fabrication shops and suppliers to translate designs into finished hardware on compressed timelines.Coordinate with production and operations teams to ensure readiness and adequate planning for program milestones.Required Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience in a mechanical engineering roleMinimum of 9 years of experience in mechanical design, analysis, and testingStrong proficiency with 3D CAD software (such as NX or SolidWorks) and FEA (finite element analysis) toolsSolid understanding of GD&T, design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles, and mechanical design best practicesStrong understanding of dynamic mechanical system design, analysis, and failure modesExperience with rapid prototyping and hands-on mechanical assemblyFamiliarity with harness layout and designProven ability to own and deliver complex mechanical systems from concept through final implementationEffective problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly iterate and incorporate feedback from cross-functional teamsExcellent organizational and communication skills, with experience mentoring and collaborating across engineering disciplinesU.S. citizenship requiredPreferred Skills & ExperienceExperience with insourced satellite deployment mechanisms and related integration or testing activitiesProven ability to thrive in a fast-paced spacecraft design and manufacturing environmentHands-on experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, including CNC machining, 3D printing, and other precision fabrication processesExperience defining and documenting procedures for satellite environmental testing, as well as processing and interpreting test dataDemonstrated application of GD&T principles to spacecraft designs to ensure precise manufacturing and inspectionBenefitsThe health and safety of our employees and their families comes first. In addition to competitive salary and equity, we offer medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 6 weeks of paid time off, parental leave, and employer 401K matching. The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits at any time.ITAR RequirementsTo comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Equal Opportunity Employer