Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – Space Payloads (Berlin)

Our client, a growing NewSpace startup, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical and opto-mechanical development of a spaceborne payload at their Berlin office.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams in Europe and the US to develop a next-generation payload, building on heritage Earth-observation designs and adapting them for beyond-LEO and deep-space environments. The role spans the full product lifecycle, from early and detailed design through hardware build, AIT, qualification, and flight deployment.

This position requires close collaboration with optical, electrical, thermal, systems, and software engineers, and is well suited to candidates with strong space and opto-mechanical design experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical and opto-mechanical design of a space payload from concept through detailed design, build, AIT, and deployment
• Perform mechanical design, analysis, documentation, fabrication support, assembly, and qualification activities
• Design structures such as optical benches, opto-mechanical assemblies, mechanisms, and electronics packaging (PCBs, connectors, harnessing) using CAD tools
• Work hands-on with technicians during assembly, integration, and test
• Lead vibration and acoustic qualification campaigns and support thermal-vacuum testing
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across systems, optics, thermal, and mission engineering
• Develop and maintain mechanical documentation including architectures, ICDs, assembly procedures, and V&V plans
• Interface with suppliers and external vendors for parts and manufacturing
• Coordinate with spacecraft bus teams to ensure clean mechanical and structural interfaces
• Prepare material for major design reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR, FRR) and provide RFP cost inputs
• Contribute to internal process development and technical bid material as the organisation scales

Qualifications

• BSc in Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years experience (or MSc/PhD with 5+)
• Strong CAD experience (e.g. SolidWorks, CATIA, Fusion)
• Experience with mechanical and opto-mechanical design for space applications
• Experience leading or supporting space qualification campaigns
• Knowledge of FEM, structural dynamics, resonant modes, lightweight structures, and thermal/mechanical deformation
• Experience translating system-level requirements into mechanical designs
• Familiarity with GD&T standards (e.g. ISO GPS)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Preferred:

• Opto-mechanical design around high-precision optics
• FEM and structural analysis experience
• Thermal engineering exposure
• DFM/DFMA and machined part design experience
• Experience with CFRP or advanced composite structures
• Familiarity with cost/schedule practices (e.g. EVMS)

Additional Requirements:

• Fluency in English (C1 or higher)
• Willingness to relocate to Berlin (EU work authorisation is a plus)
• Full-time role (40h/week)

If you are interested, please reach out and apply today.
angela.olmo@newspacetechnical.com