Mechanical Engineer - Imaging Payloads

About Urban Sky: 

Urban Sky is a venture-backed aerospace startup that pioneers utilization of the stratosphere and reimagines the way humans view and analyze the earth. We design, build, operate, and sell stratospheric balloon systems, and the data we collect supports a wide range of applications, from real-time wildfire monitoring to urban mapping. Our technology is also employed by government customers including the Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, and others. Urban Sky sends flight vehicles to the stratosphere on a weekly basis. 

Our team consists of engineers, makers, developers, and doers who believe in the power of human potential when passion meets utility within a small, supportive team. At Urban Sky we strive to create a team culture grounded in candor, inclusion, respect and empowerment. 

We aim to build the next chapter of stratospheric history in Denver and are seeking self-starting, open-minded, and hard-working team members. 

About The Role: 

Urban Sky is seeking a talented Mechanical Engineer to own the design, development, and fielding of advanced electro-optical imaging systems aboard our stratospheric balloon platforms. Our payloads operate in one of the harshest environments on Earth. They must survive temperature extremes, near-vacuum pressures, and high shock loads while delivering precision performance. This engineer will design systems that integrate optics (both custom and off-the-shelf), sensors, edge compute, 2-axis stabilization mechanisms, and thermal management systems into compact, flight-ready packages. 

The technical challenges are broad, and so is the ownership. This is a hands-on role on a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team. Your work will span the entire development lifecycle, from initial requirements and rapid prototyping through flight testing and production transition. You will work across a range of commercial and defense products that are making real and lasting impacts today. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Translate product requirements and use cases into ruggedized design solutions for a diverse customer base spanning scientific, commercial, and defense applications 
• Design robust, reusable payload structures with an emphasis on protecting critical components and enabling rapid turnarounds between flights. Perform structural analysis and testing to validate designs against flight load cases 
• Support the design and development of 2-axis gimbal systems including structure design, motor and reducer selection, and feedback architecture to achieve precise pointing control 
• Select materials appropriate for stratospheric conditions balancing strength, thermal performance, weight, and cost constraints
• Design and analyze thermal management solutions to maintain components within operating temperature ranges across stratospheric conditions. Develop and verify thermal models against test and flight data to build confidence in system performance
• Contribute to payload architecture decisions, including evaluating new sensor technologies, identifying candidate hardware for integration, and proposing new payload concepts or capability expansions 
• Plan and execute benchtop testing of subsystems and prototypes to validate functionality prior to flight testing 
• Conduct environmental testing including thermal cycling, vacuum exposure, and shock qualification. Support field integration and test campaigns, incorporating operational feedback into design iterations 
• Develop and execute verification and validation plans, prepare prototypes for flight, and maintain flight safety documentation 
• Analyze flight performance data to identify issues and drive design iteration. Lead post-flight hardware teardowns and failure investigations to determine root cause and inform corrective actions
• Maintain thorough engineering documentation including design/analysis rationale, trade studies, assembly procedures, test reports, and lessons learned to support knowledge retention and production readiness 
• Generate high-quality engineering drawings with appropriate use of GD&T when necessary

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline; advanced degree is a plus but not required 
• 2-5 years of experience in mechanical design and integration of electromechanical systems operating in real-world environments 
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., OnShape, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360) for designing complex mechanical systems 
• Strong knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, and injection molding 
• Intuitive understanding of tolerance analysis, design for manufacturing (DFM), and design for assembly (DFA), with the ability to design parts and assemblies that are practical to build, inspect, and maintain 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using hand calculations and simulation tools to inform design decisions and the ability to systematically troubleshoot hardware issues when things don't go as planned 

Nice-to-Haves/Preferred Skills: 

• Knowledge in optics, optomechanics, or imaging systems 
• Experience working in aerospace or satellite development 
• Experience developing mechanisms, motion control applications, or gimbal systems  
• Familiarity with integrating mechanical systems with electronics and sensors 
• Knowledge of stratospheric or high-altitude conditions and their impact on mechanical systems 
• Experience with cable and wire harness design 
• Familiarity with Linux or embedded systems 

Requirements: 

• Must be US Citizen or Permanent Resident 
• Must be located near Denver, CO 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Vision and Dental 
• Unlimited Vacation Days 
• Parental Leave 
• Cell Phone Bill Stipend 
• Stock Options 

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes that they have the skills and the passion necessary to succeed here to apply for this role. 

This position may require the candidate to deal with commodities, software, technology, defense articles, and/or technical data which are subject to the Export Administration Regulations and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Additional information may be requested so as to determine whether export authorization is required from the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. If authorization is required, employment will be contingent upon the Company successfully obtaining such authorization from the relevant government agency. 

Urban Sky is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.