Principal Mechanical Engineer

A Principal Mechanical Engineer at True Anomaly will lead the design, analysis, and optimization of mechanical systems for advanced satellites. The role entails creating detailed CAD models, supporting build and test campaigns, and collaborating with various engineering disciplines to validate designs. Additionally, you’ll contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing design efficiency and system performance.

To be considered for the Principal Mechanical Engineer position at True Anomaly, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a minimum of 12 years of professional experience in Space Mechanisms. Proficiency in mechanical architecture, design, GD&T, and CAD tools like SolidWorks are essential, along with strong communication skills and a passion for the space industry.

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer at True Anomaly, you will work in a hybrid environment, spending at least three days per week onsite at our Gravity Works facility in Denver, CO. The work setting comprises both a standard office and a production factory, requiring an ability to navigate between these environments while handling physical tasks such as lifting parts up to 20 lbs.

A Principal Mechanical Engineer at True Anomaly will engage in projects that involve the design and development of next-generation LEO/GEO vehicles. This includes leading mechanical design processes for flight systems and ground support mechanisms, contributing to innovative solutions and technologies aimed at enhancing space security and sustainability.

At True Anomaly, a Principal Mechanical Engineer has multiple paths for career advancement due to the dynamic nature of the space industry and our company's growth trajectory. Opportunities may include taking on leadership roles, leading larger teams, or specializing in advanced technology areas, enabling both professional growth and contribution to pioneering projects.

In answering this question, highlight key projects or experiences involving spacecraft design. Discuss specific components you’ve worked on, challenges faced, and how your contributions enhanced project outcomes. Emphasizing your problem-solving skills and collaboration with other engineering teams will showcase your ability to navigate complex engineering environments.

Share a structured approach to optimization that includes analyzing performance requirements, utilizing simulation tools, and applying design iteration techniques. Provide examples from past roles where you successfully optimized a mechanical design, underscoring the impact of your solution on project efficacy and efficiency.

Focus on your experience with CAD tools like SolidWorks, detailing specific projects where you utilized these tools for mechanical design. Mention any advanced capabilities you possess, such as generative design or simulation features, to demonstrate depth of knowledge in CAD applications vital for the role.

Explain your understanding of GD&T principles and their importance in mechanical design. Describe how you apply GD&T in your projects to ensure parts meet functional and assembly requirements, and how you verify accuracy through inspections before production.

Share a specific instance where you played a leadership role in a team composed of different engineering disciplines. Focus on how you coordinated efforts among team members, resolved conflicts, and ensured that everyone was aligned on project goals, leading to successful project completion.

Discuss your familiarity with configuration control processes and tools, citing examples of how you’ve used them to manage design changes efficiently. Highlight your attention to detail and the impact of configuration control on maintaining project integrity.

Reflect on specific challenges such as weight constraints, thermal considerations, or reliability in the harsh space environment. Share how you've addressed similar challenges in your past experiences and your strategies for fostering innovation in design.

Discuss your approach to ensuring safety and reliability in mechanical designs, including thorough testing, risk assessments, and validation processes. Provide examples of how you have successfully ensured that designs met high standards for safety and reliability in past projects.

Highlight a specific project where you identified inefficiencies in a design process and successfully implemented improvements. Emphasize the positive outcomes, such as reduced lead times or enhanced performance, showcasing your proactive mindset.

Share your passion for the space industry, discussing what motivates you about contributing to space exploration and sustainability. Articulate your vision for the future of aerospace engineering and how you hope to impact that through your work at True Anomaly.