Mechanical Design & Simulation Engineer II

Location: Bengaluru

Department: Opto-mechanics

Experience: 3

Mechanical Design & Simulation Engineer II 

Location: Bengaluru, India 

Type: Full-Time 

Start Date: Immediate 

About Astrogate Labs 

Astrogate Labs is a Bengaluru-based space technology startup focused on developing advanced laser communication terminals and networking solutions. Our mission is to streamline satellite communication, reduce costs, and enable satellites to transmit significantly more data to the ground. 

We have engineered one of the smallest optical communication terminals in the industry, designed for applications in space, air, and terrestrial environments.  

We seek experienced and driven engineers to lead the design and development of next-generation satellite communication systems.  

About the Role 

As a Mechanical Design & Simulation Engineer, you will be a key member of the Opto-Mech team, leading the structural and opto-mechanical development of our LaserComm products. You will oversee the entire lifecycle of mechanical systems—from conceptualization, advanced design, and simulation to prototyping, testing, and validation for space-ready systems. Additionally, you will guide junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success.  

Eligibility Criteria 

• Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s (preferred) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.  
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in mechanical design, simulation, or related fields, preferably in aerospace, defense, or robotics. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Design and Development: Lead the design of mechanical, opto-mechanical, and structural sub-systems for precision optical systems, mechatronics, and satellite structures using industry-standard CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, NX), developing complex assemblies and sub-assemblies. 

2. Analysis and Validation: Conduct advanced finite element analysis (FEA) for static, dynamic, and thermal simulations using tools like ANSYS and SimCenter, complemented by detailed hand calculations to validate designs and support decision-making. 

3. Fabrication and Manufacturability: Produce high-quality 2D drawings, 3D models, and STEP files, emphasizing design for manufacturability, precision (GD&T), and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure fabrication aligns with specifications. 

4. Vendor and Quality Management: Manage vendor relationships, oversee procurement, and perform on-site quality checks to ensure fabricated components meet design standards and project timelines. 

5. Prototyping, Testing, and Integration: Lead prototype assembly, evaluation, and quality assessment, oversee environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling) with custom test fixtures, and collaborate with optics, avionics, and systems engineers for seamless component integration. 

6. Project Leadership and Documentation: Drive design reviews, field tests, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement, maintain comprehensive technical documentation (BOMs, specifications, mass budgets), mentor junior engineers, and manage project timelines and cross-functional team coordination to meet milestones. 

Required Skills 

1. Design and Manufacturing Expertise: Possess strong expertise in mechanical design principles, materials science, and manufacturing processes, with advanced proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX), hands-on experience in sheet metal design, CNC machining, and additive manufacturing, and in-depth knowledge of precision hardware (fasteners, adhesives, washers) and tolerance-based design. 
2. Analysis and Technical Documentation: Demonstrate extensive experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools like ANSYS or SimCenter for structural and thermal analysis, proficiency in GD&T, and tolerance stack-up analysis, alongside the ability to create fabrication-ready technical drawings and bills of materials (BOMs) with high accuracy. 
3. Prototyping and Problem-Solving: Exhibit a proven track record in prototyping, field testing, and troubleshooting complex systems, supported by strong problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail. 
4. Leadership and Collaboration: Showcase excellent communication and collaboration skills for cross-disciplinary teamwork, a demonstrated ability to lead small teams, manage projects, and mentor junior engineers, while being self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced startup environment. 

Nice to Have 

• Experience with the design, assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of satellite systems or electro-optic payloads.  
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards (MIL-STD, NASA, ISO, etc.).  
• Prior work on structural or opto-mechanical components in aerospace, defense, or robotics domains.  

Perks & Benefits 

• Health insurance coverage  
• Mentorship opportunities with senior industry experts  
• Opportunities to publish research and present at conferences  
• A collaborative, innovation-driven work culture focused on building cutting-edge space products 

If you are an experienced engineer passionate about precision engineering, advanced simulations, and developing space-grade hardware—and thrive at the intersection of optics, mechanics, and aerospace—we invite you to join our team.