Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) is a space mission enabler providing flexible, cost-effective solutions, including satellite manufacturing and technology integration, AI-driven space-based data solutions, mission planning and management operations, AI/ML products and services and space and defense hardware manufacturing. With its mission of Space Access Reimagined®, Sidus Space is committed to rapid innovation, adaptable and cost-effective solutions, and the optimization of space system and data collection performance. With demonstrated space heritage, including manufacturing and operating its own satellite and sensor system, LizzieSat®, Sidus Space serves government, defense, intelligence and commercial companies around the globe. 

Strategically headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast, Sidus Space operates a 35,000-square-foot space manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing facility and provides easy access to nearby launch facilities. But it’s our people who truly set us apart. We foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and agility, empowering our team to innovate and evolve in a rapidly changing industry. Join us at Sidus Space to be part of something extraordinary and help shape the future of space access!

Job Summary

The Principal Mechanical Design Engineer will drive the mechanical architecture, design, and verification of spacecraft and electronic systems. This role leads the development of satellite structures, electronic packaging, and mission‑critical hardware engineered for reliable performance in demanding space environments. The ideal candidate combines deep mechanical design expertise with hands‑on leadership, guiding teams through concept development, detailed modeling, analysis, and qualification. 

This position is expected to be 100% onsite in Cape Canaveral 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities 

• Lead the mechanical design, development, and integration of spacecraft hardware, electronic enclosures, and circuit‑card assemblies, ensuring robust structural, thermal, and environmental performance.
• Develop mechanical architectures, 3D CAD models, and detailed design layouts that meet subsystem and system‑level requirements for satellites and other systems.
• Evaluate mechanical and thermal performance, identify risk areas, and drive design improvements throughout the hardware lifecycle.
• Oversee mechanical aspects of environmental qualification, including thermal vacuum testing, thermal cycling, vibration, and shock.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to ensure mechanical considerations are fully integrated into multi‑disciplinary designs.
• Produce clear technical documentation, detailed design reports, and presentation materials for internal and external design reviews.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, integration, and test teams to maintain design intent through fabrication, assembly, and verification.
• Represent the mechanical engineering discipline in customer-facing discussions and communicate design status and decisions effectively.

• Treat all coworkers with respect and dignity ensuring a collaborative culture is continually developed and maintained.
• Other technical or leadership duties as assigned**

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design, structural analysis or hardware development.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks (or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing spacecraft or satellite hardware, including electronics packaging.
• Experience leading teams in the development, execution, and review of structural and thermal FEA using industry tools such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus, and related analysis environments.
• Experience with configuration management practices, including version control, change tracking, and documentation integrity.
• Experience driving mechanical design process improvements and contribute to system-level workflow enhancements. 
• Experience with satellite integration, assembly, and test operations.
• Experience supporting environmental testing campaigns (TVAC, thermal cycling).

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use
• Ability to travel <10%
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

Travel Requirement

Ability to travel < 10% 

Shift/Schedule

Onsite work Monday through Friday; day shift 

Drug-Free Workplace

Sidus Space is a Drug-Free Workplace where post-offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies

Total Rewards and Perks

At Sidus Space, we ask a lot of our team members, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to a competitive salary, a Best-in-Class benefit program with a generous employer paid portion as well as a matching 401(k) on Day ONE, we offer a lot of perks, including:

• Jeans every day
• Regular onsite food trucks
• 5 free company t-shirts for Manufacturing Staff 
• Paid Time Off (vacation and sick days) and 11 paid holidays 
• Adjustable stand-up desks
• Employee referral bonus program
• Educational assistance and professional training opportunities
• Company golf outings and other social events

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• All candidates selected will be subject to a background investigation and drug screen
• To conform to U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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. 

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

SIDUS SPACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer fostering a respectful work culture that values all contributors. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Sidus Space’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at people@sidusspace.com