Mechanical Engineer Lead

Department: Engineering

Location: Ashburn, VA

Employment Type: FullTime

Mechanical Engineer Lead

Overview Energy is turning uninterrupted sunlight in space into directable energy on Earth. From our homebase in Virginia, we’re building satellites that will deliver energy from orbit to the grid and make solar a reliable 24/7 resource.

The Role

This 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 Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end development, prototyping, and integration of structures, mechanisms, and satellite configurations for new systems, collaborating closely within a cross-functional engineering team

• Design and model parts, assemblies, and components in CAD software (such as NX), ensuring manufacturability, ease of assembly, and complete product definition including drawings, GD&T, and test procedures

• Apply design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles and rapid prototyping techniques to optimize spacecraft designs for simplicity, reduced cost, and efficient production

• Oversee component and subsystem ownership from concept through production, including vendor coordination, assembly, testing, and lifecycle support

• Perform and validate structural analyses using both analytical methods and advanced industry software to ensure compliance with engineering and mission standards

• Verify designs through environmental and performance testing, documenting results for traceability, quality assurance, and future reference

• Manage system-level design and configuration through all program phases, from initial concept to final integration, ensuring quality control, documentation, and technical consistency at each stage

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience in a mechanical engineering role

• Minimum of 9 years of experience in mechanical design, analysis, and testing

• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software (such as NX or SolidWorks) and FEA (finite element analysis) tools

• Solid understanding of GD&T, design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles, and mechanical design best practices

• Strong understanding of dynamic mechanical system design, analysis, and failure modes

• Experience with rapid prototyping and hands-on mechanical assembly

• Familiarity with harness layout and design

• Proven ability to own and deliver complex mechanical systems from concept through final implementation

• Effective problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly iterate and incorporate feedback from cross-functional teams

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with experience mentoring and collaborating across engineering disciplines

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with insourced satellite deployment mechanisms and related integration or testing activities

• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced spacecraft design and manufacturing environment

• Hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, including CNC machining, 3D printing, and other precision fabrication processes

• Experience defining and documenting procedures for satellite environmental testing, as well as processing and interpreting test data

• Demonstrated application of GD&T principles to spacecraft designs to ensure precise manufacturing and inspection

Benefits:

The 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 Requirements:

To 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:

Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Overview Energy is based on merit, competence, and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our Human Resources team at [email protected].

Studies show that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply for jobs only if they meet all listed qualifications. We encourage anyone who believes they can succeed in this role to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification listed.