Mechanical Engineer II

Katalyst Description:

At Katalyst, we see human expansion into space not as a distant future, but as a present reality. As this growth accelerates, the need for advanced, reliable spacecraft has never been more critical.  We are standing at this forefront specializing in rendezvous and proximity operations creating spacecraft that can reconfigure, refuel, inspect and protect satellites on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. In order to accomplish our mission, we also process data from a network of space-based sensors, both existing and deployable upgrades, using state of the art machine learning and advanced orbital dynamic filtering algorithms to increase space domain awareness, becoming the eyes and ears on orbit.

You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:

• Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
• Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
• Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.

Role Description:

As Mechanical Engineer II, you will lead the development and execution of flight and ground mechanical systems for Katalyst’s spacecraft, from concept through design, integration, testing, and flight readiness.

This role bridges hardware design and system integration, ensuring our mechanical components are engineered, built, and validated to meet rigorous environmental, performance, and operational requirements. You will drive mechanical engineering strategy while remaining closely involved in detailed design and test efforts.

You will coordinate across mechanical, electrical, software, and mission assurance teams to lead mechanical system development, define integration and test interfaces, and shape the roadmap for mechanical tooling, infrastructure, and test capability growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and analyze requirements, conceive and develop trade studies on mechanical systems.
• Create and iterate detailed CAD models.
• Create detailed 2D manufacturing drawings and perform tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure design intent.
• Analyze structural integrity and performance of parts and assemblies using analytical methods and FEA tools.
• Apply sound mechanical engineering principles to solve challenges involving load paths, stiffness, thermal effects, and vibration.
• Participate in design reviews, failure mode analysis, and system-level integration.
• Rapidly prototype and iterate on designs using additive manufacturing, machining, and other fabrication methods.
• Interface with electrical, software, and systems teams to ensure mechanical solutions meet overall system requirements.
• Support mechanical integration, testing, and troubleshooting of assemblies both in the lab and in the field.

Qualifications:

Required:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of industry experience in mechanical design and structural analysis.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools, Solidworks strongly preferred.
• Strong grasp of structural mechanics, including material selection, stress/strain, and mechanical failure modes.
• Experience with mechanical tolerance analysis and manufacturing documentation.
• Hands-on experience assembling, testing, and refining mechanical hardware.

Additional Requirements:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:  

Anticipated salary range for this position is $100,000 to $145,000. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.