Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer

Company

NewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there.

Flying closer to Earth means sharper imagery from smaller optics, and an orbit that cleans itself: our satellites de-orbit within a month at end of life, leaving no debris.

Our AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers our own NEO-1 satellite, with first flight planned for Q3 2028, and is also offered to other operators.

Electric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and our AURA RF gridded ion thruster is at the centre of it.

Role Overview

Responsible for the mechanical design of satellite structures, mechanisms, and related hardware from concept through qualification and on-orbit operation.

Working within a small, multidisciplinary team, you will translate requirements into manufacturable designs and validate them through prototyping and environmental testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems and components for satellites, including primary structure, thermal-control hardware, secondary structures, and mechanisms.

• Generate 3D CAD models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents using GD&T, managing assembly configuration and PLM data.

• Take hardware from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations, leading design reviews, and planning verification tests.

• Optimise designs for manufacturability, cost, mass, and reliability, working directly with manufacturers and suppliers.

• Support prototype builds, assembly, integration, and environmental test campaigns, iterating designs based on results.

• Collaborate with electrical, software, systems, and thermal engineers to integrate mechanical components into the satellite platform.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering discipline.

• 5+ years’ experience in satellite mechanical design, including primary structure, pipe routing, electromechanics, and MGSE for aerospace applications (satellites, payloads, launch vehicles).

• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks.

• Practical application of GD&T and experience producing manufacturing-ready drawings.

• Solid grounding in mechanical design principles, materials, structural mechanics, FEA ,and thermal management.

• Demonstrated ability to design, build, and test hardware, including troubleshooting and iteration.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering space technology - Your work on our RF gridded ion thrusters and VLEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and challenge traditional LEO.

• Ownership and impact - You'll have a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry, and you'll take part in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.

• Equity and competitive salary - Alongside a competitive salary you receive a company ownership stake, so you share in the technology you help build and in our collective success.

• Comprehensive benefits - Private health insurance with dental and optical cover, and annual health check-ups.

• Hybrid working - One dedicated remote day per week.

• Visa sponsorship and relocation support - We sponsor visas and provide relocation support for candidates moving to join us.