Mechanical Engineer - Atmospheric Entry Systems

About Outpost

Located in Playa Vista, California, Outpost is pioneering the development of reusable spacecraft that facilitate rapid delivery of payloads from orbit to Earth, a concept termed exologistics. Focused on creating infrastructure between orbit and Earth, their vehicles are designed for quick, precise, and reliable cargo transport. This innovative company is advancing core technologies towards flight readiness, with a growing demand from government and commercial clientele.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of the design and delivery of flight and ground hardware components for the Atmospheric Entry subsystem. This hardware protects payloads throughout launch, re-entry, and landing phases. The role involves full lifecycle responsibilities including conceptual design, analysis, documentation, build support, and qualification testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Create mechanical designs for atmospheric recovery systems such as deployable structures, aerodynamic decelerators, recovery apparatus, airframe interfaces, and precision landing mechanisms from initial requirements through to production and qualification.
• Produce design packages at Critical Design Review (CDR) level, incorporating CAD models, detailed drawings, formal specifications, analysis reports, and test plans.
• Define and manage hardware requirements while coordinating interfaces with mission operations and customers.
• Carry out or coordinate thermal and structural analyses to ensure compliance with design margins.
• Develop and execute qualification and acceptance test protocols; support environmental testing campaigns.
• Engage actively in peer reviews and formal milestone design reviews such as Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR).
• Lead design review meetings and prepare comprehensive documentation including bills of materials and work instructions.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.
• 5 to 10 years experience designing structures and mechanisms for flight hardware.
• Proven track record of advancing hardware from concept towards production or flight.
• High proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks or NX and mechanical analysis tools including Ansys and SolidWorks simulation for structural and thermal evaluation.
• Experience with designing a range of mechanical systems including deployables, aerodynamic devices, linkages, hinges, and similar components.
• Strong understanding of load paths, interfaces, and environmental requirements for high-energy flight environments.
• Proven ability to execute rapid prototype iterations to support fast design-build-test cycles.
• Excellent communication, technical writing, and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with spacecraft environmental requirements including launch loads, shock, vibration, and thermal conditions.
• Capability to write and interpret engineering requirements and interface control documents.
• Effective cross-functional communication skills to collaborate with systems, integration, and test engineering teams.

Preferred Experience

• Experience participating in formal design reviews and qualification testing.
• Background with reentry systems, atmospheric flight vehicles, thermal protection system (TPS) interfaces, and parachute or paraglider mechanisms.
• Knowledge integrating soft goods with rigid mechanical structures.
• Experience in hypersonic, supersonic, or high aerodynamic load flight environments.
• Hands-on field test experience including drop tests and flight tests.
• Familiarity with degrees-of-freedom limited mechanisms and precision actuation under harsh conditions.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $125,000 to $160,000, commensurate with experience.
• Annual performance-based bonuses to reward individual contributions.
• Equity ownership offering meaningful participation in company value.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Medical base tier premiums paid by company; dental and vision fully covered.
• Company-provided short- and long-term disability insurance plus life insurance.
• Paid time off including vacation and 9 paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Daily lunch stipend via DoorDash and unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea provided at the workplace.
• Engaging workplace culture with events such as monthly happy hours, group outings, and pet-friendly office environment.

Location and Work Conditions

This full-time, onsite position is based in Playa Vista, California, requiring presence at the office five days a week.

Eligibility

Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State under 22 C.F.R. 120.15, or protected individuals as defined by this regulation.