Real job — pulled straight from Astrolab’s careers page · Verified September 20, 2026 · No reposts.
Job description
Astrolab is hiring a Lead Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Engineering — a full-time, based in Hawthorne, CA role. Apply directly on Astrolab's careers page below.
Lead Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Engineering
Department: Vehicle Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, CA, Hawthorne, California
As a Lead Structures Engineer, you and your team will design, develop, test, and operate planetary rovers and related hardware. You will be responsible for producing high-performance designs for challenging environments, with cradle-to-grave accountability. You will have the opportunity to develop and mentor other engineers while working on novel, complex mechanical systems.
What you'll do:
- Work with leadership and design counterparts to define Astrolab best practices for structures design, analysis, and test
- Design mechanical and thermal platforms at the architectural level
- Build tools and infrastructure to make your team and the company more efficient
- Set team priorities and manage progress through various program phases
- Develop and train junior mechanical engineers
What you'll bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field
- 4+ years of experience in a design role at a space company
- Experience with space industry design principles, finite element analysis methods, test design & execution
- Experience developing hardware to meet space industry design standards and best practices
- Experience leading a team through a design program start-to-finish
- Experience mentoring and developing junior engineers, contractors, and interns to build an effective design team
- Master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field
- Experience with NASA technical standards for design, analysis, and test
- Experience with structural dynamics analysis and test methods
- Experience with thermal analysis methods and tools
Benefits and Perks
- Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
- Equity ownership in the company
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO and parental leave
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
- Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
Get Mechanical Engineer jobs like this→
New roles from thousands of companies land hourly, straight from their careers pages. Get the freshest matches by email so you never miss one.
Email me new jobsSimilar jobs
Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Accident Reconstruction
Frequently asked questions
What is the seniority level for Lead Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Engineering at Astrolab?
Lead Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Engineering at Astrolab is a Lead / Manager level position.
How do I apply for Lead Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Engineering at Astrolab?
You can view the full description and apply for Lead Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Engineering at Astrolab on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/astrolab-lead-mechanical-engineer-vehicle-engineering-vehicle-engineering-yhuit.