Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Mechanical team as a Mechanical Engineer - Mechanisms developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it.

AscendArc is a seed stage startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.

Responsibilities

• Own and design the flight hardware and testing architecture for spacecraft mechanical systems, not limited to functional pressurized fluid systems, deployment mechanisms, and motor-driven devices. Specific hardware experience useful for the role include, pumps, valves, HDRMs, robotic manipulating assemblies, etc.
• Lead hardware development throughout full life cycle of requirements definition, design, analysis, and testing
• Define technical requirements and ensure compliance with program and system-level constraints to develop
• Work in a hands-on atmosphere and plan to execute hardware assembly and integration plans, including tooling and procedures

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and testing complex mechanical systems, preferably in aerospace or robotics
• Proficiency with CAD and simulation tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, ANSYS) for mechanism and structural design
• Hands-on experience developing flight hardware or similar high-reliability mechanical systems (e.g., actuators, deployables, fluid systems, HDRMs)

Who We’re Looking For

We’re searching for exceptional talent at any career stage — from early-career engineers to senior and staff-level experts. Compensation will be adjusted accordingly. More than years of experience, we value high-caliber individuals with the drive and creativity to help launch Oregon’s first commercial communications satellite.

We’re looking for people who:

• Thrive in a cradle-to-grave design environment and take ownership from concept through launch.
• Bring energy, curiosity, and a responsible engineering mindset.
• Want to work alongside other exceptional people in an environment where great ideas rise to the top.

The base salary range for this position is $120,000-190,000/year. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.

AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor or legally protected status.