Mechanical Design Engineer II

Catalyx Space, a seed-stage aerospace startup backed by Y Combinator's Hf0 and Founders Inc, is pioneering end-to-end responsive space transportation solutions, including reentry capsules and orbital labs, to enable rapid space experiments and technology demonstrations. As a Mechanical Design Engineer II, you will lead the design and development of structural components for spacecraft, focusing on deployable mechanisms, thermal protection systems, and assembly integration. Responsibilities include generating 3D models in CAD software such as NX or SolidWorks, performing stress and vibration analysis using FEA tools, selecting materials suitable for space environments (e.g., composites, alloys), and coordinating with manufacturing partners for prototyping via CNC machining and additive manufacturing. You'll collaborate with propulsion and avionics teams to ensure designs meet mission requirements for reentry survivability and orbital operations, while iterating based on test data from vacuum chambers and thermal cycling. This role emphasizes hands-on building in a fast-paced environment, where you'll contribute to America's reindustrialization by advancing domestic hard tech capabilities. Requirements: Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, 3-5 years experience in aerospace design, proficiency in GD&T, and familiarity with space qualification standards. Join our racing team culture to push the frontiers of space tech.