Mechanical Engineer (Spacecraft Hardware) 

Launch has changed the economics of space. Now it is time to return. 

Outpost is building the missing infrastructure between orbit and Earth: reusable vehicles that can bring payloads back from space and deliver them to a precise location within hours. We call it exologistics, space-to-Earth logistics at planetary scale. This is not a paper concept or a distant roadmap. Our system is in active development, with core technologies advancing toward flight readiness. 

The need is already here and the market has responded. We have validated demand through multiple defense and civil agreements, and a growing pipeline across government and commercial customers.  

Outpost is building the logistics layer that makes space economically useful in a new way: the ability to move material from orbit to Earth quickly, reliably, and affordably. Over time, that supports point-to-point logistics, 10 tons of cargo, anywhere on Earth in an hour. It also creates the foundation for a reusable reentry network and enables new categories of space activity, including in-space manufacturing, supporting AI data centers, advanced manufacturing and novel materials. 

We have a strong foundation, clear demand, and a technical path in front of us. Now the company is scaling rapidly. We are expanding the team, growing our operational footprint, and building the systems needed to execute at the next level. This is a chance to join a company with real traction, working on a problem that matters, at the point where execution and scale begin to define the outcome.

The Role 

We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer who will own the mechanical test and qualification process for spacecraft components and vehicles from concept through execution and data analysis. This is a deeply mechanical role with elements of mechatronics, instrumentation, and software for data acquisition, with strong ownership over how our hardware is qualified for flight.  

You will design and build test fixtures and portable test racks, define test plans (qualification, acceptance, drop, load, vibration, deployment, etc.), execute tests, and analyze results to inform design and certification decisions. Rather than “pressing the button” on pre‑defined procedures, you will create new tests and infrastructure for new products in a fast‑moving space startup environment.  

Responsibilities 

• Own mechanical test and qualification activities for spacecraft components and vehicles, from requirements interpretation through test execution and reporting. 
• Develop test strategies and plans for qualification tests, acceptance tests, drop/load tests, deployment tests, and other space‑relevant environments.  
• Design, model, and document mechanical test fixtures, jigs, stands, and custom setups (e.g., for heat shield, mechanisms, and structural testing).  
• Architect and help implement portable test racks integrating power supplies, sensors, data acquisition, and control hardware into organized, reusable systems.  
• Define instrumentation approaches (load cells, strain gauges, displacement, pressure, temperature, etc.) and work with electrical teammates to integrate sensors and wiring.  
• Implement and/or specify data acquisition and control software using tools such as LabVIEW, Python, or MATLAB for test automation and data collection.  
• Perform data reduction and analysis to extract key metrics, identify anomalies, and drive design or test configuration changes. 
• Create and maintain clear test documentation: test procedures, configuration drawings, calibration records, data packages, and test reports aligned with NASA‑style standards. 
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings and basic circuit/connection diagrams to ensure correct test configuration and boundary conditions.  
• Collaborate closely with design, systems, and manufacturing engineers to ensure tests meaningfully qualify hardware and trace back to requirements.  
• Contribute to the development of internal test standards and best practices, leveraging NASA and industry qualification guidelines as the “test bible.” 
• Provide technical leadership on test approach and infrastructure (technical management), even if you do not directly manage people.  

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in hardware test development. 
• Strong, hands‑on mechanical background with experience designing and building test fixtures, stands, and mechanical setups for hardware tests.  
• Experience developing or significantly contributing to new tests for aerospace, space, or similarly high‑reliability hardware (not just operating existing, legacy rigs). 
• Familiarity with spacecraft or launch vehicle components, or other space/aviation hardware where qualification and reliability are critical.  
• Comfort working with sensors and instrumentation (wiring, basic electrical understanding) sufficient to own test setups without being an electrical engineer.  
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis using at least one of: LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.  
• Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings (and basic circuit diagrams) to set up tests correctly and understand what is being verified.  
• Demonstrated ownership of end‑to‑end test efforts: planning, setup, execution, troubleshooting, and reporting.  
• Strong documentation habits and familiarity with following structured standards and guidelines (e.g., NASA‑style test and qualification documents).  
• Willingness to be hands‑on in the lab, build things from scratch, and iterate quickly in a startup environment.  

We are less focused on minimum years of experience and more interested in candidates who have truly developed tests and infrastructure themselves, rather than only operating pre‑defined procedures at large, highly bureaucratic companies.  

Preferred Experience 

• Experience in space startups or new‑product aerospace programs (rockets, satellites, spacecraft mechanisms) where tests were created from scratch. 
• Prior work with portable test racks or integrated test benches combining power, DAQ, and control in a cohesive system.
• Familiarity with NASA test/qualification standards and ASME Y14.5 drawing conventions at a functional level. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $120,000 – $180,000; (commensurate with experience).
• Additional Compensation:  Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
• Shared upside: Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental. 
  
• Protection when it matters: Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
• PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
• Invest in your future: 401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
• Fueled for the mission: Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
• Mission that matters: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
• Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
• Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more! 

Mission Manager 

Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) 

Launch has changed the economics of space. Now it is time to return. 

Outpost is building the missing infrastructure between orbit and Earth: reusable vehicles that can bring payloads back from space and deliver them to a precise location within hours. We call it exologistics, space-to-Earth logistics at planetary scale. This is not a paper concept or a distant roadmap. Our system is in active development, with core technologies advancing toward flight readiness. 

The need is already here and the market has responded. We have validated demand through multiple defense and civil agreements, and a growing pipeline across government and commercial customers.  

Outpost is building the logistics layer that makes space economically useful in a new way: the ability to move material from orbit to Earth quickly, reliably, and affordably. Over time, that supports point-to-point logistics, 10 tons of cargo, anywhere on Earth in an hour. It also creates the foundation for a reusable reentry network and enables new categories of space activity, including in-space manufacturing, supporting AI data centers, advanced manufacturing and novel materials. 

We have a strong foundation, clear demand, and a technical path in front of us. Now the company is scaling rapidly. We are expanding the team, growing our operational footprint, and building the systems needed to execute at the next level. This is a chance to join a company with real traction, working on a problem that matters, at the point where execution and scale begin to define the outcome.

The Role 

The Mission Manager supports day-to-day execution of customer missions and contracts. This role serves as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring requirements are clearly defined, schedules are tracked, and deliverables are met. You will work closely with engineering, operations, and partner with Director of Mission Engineering to manage subcontractors and external contributors. This is a hands-on role for someone who is detail-oriented, technically fluent, and comfortable driving clarity in a fast-moving, hardware-heavy environment. 

Responsibilities 

• Serve as the primary point of contact (POC) for assigned customer contracts, in close coordination with the Director of Mission Engineering.
• Own customer communications, including status updates, schedule reviews, and deliverable reporting.
• Define, document, and manage customer requirements; ensure alignment with internal technical and program plans.
• Track contractual deliverables, milestones, and acceptance criteria across missions.
• Maintain and report on integrated schedules, identifying risks, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Interface directly with vehicle engineering teams to translate mission requirements into executable technical plans.
• Support in managing subcontractors, including coordination, tracking of deliverables, and schedule alignment.
• Identify execution risks early and drive resolution across internal teams and external partners.
• Ensure customer commitments are met while protecting program scope, schedule, and technical integrity.
• Support regulatory and licensing activities (FAA, FCC, NOAA, Range, etc.) related to mission execution, including coordination with internal engineering teams, external partners, and applicable regulatory bodies. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or science discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in mission management, program management, systems engineering, or a related technical role in spacecraft, launch vehicle, reentry vehicle, or aerospace programs.
• Proven ability to serve as the primary point of contact for customers on complex aerospace programs, including presenting technical deliverables, coordinating feedback, and managing external communications.
• Strong understanding of engineering development lifecycles, especially for space or flight hardware.
• Proven ability to track schedules, deliverables, and contractual commitments with high attention to detail.
• Comfortable interfacing with engineering teams and translating technical discussions into clear action items.
• Experience supporting or managing subcontractors or external vendors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel as needed to support customer meetings, mission activities, and partner coordination. 

Preferred Experience 

• Familiarity with regulatory and licensing processes for aerospace or flight operations for commercial and defense. 
• Experience working with DoD, NASA, or other government contracts.
• Experience working in fast-paced startup or small-team environments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $140,000 – $180,000; (commensurate with experience).
• Additional Compensation:  Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
• Shared upside: Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental. 
  
• Protection when it matters: Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
• PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
• Invest in your future: 401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
• Fueled for the mission: Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
• Mission that matters: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
• Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
• Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more! 

Mechanical Engineer 

Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week) 

Launch has changed the economics of space. Now it is time to return. 

Outpost is building the missing infrastructure between orbit and Earth: reusable vehicles that can bring payloads back from space and deliver them to a precise location within hours. We call it exologistics, space-to-Earth logistics at planetary scale. This is not a paper concept or a distant roadmap. Our system is in active development, with core technologies advancing toward flight readiness. 

The need is already here, and the market has responded. We have validated demand through multiple defense and civil agreements, and a growing pipeline across government and commercial customers. 

Outpost is building the logistics layer that makes space economically useful in a new way: the ability to move material from orbit to Earth quickly, reliably, and affordably. Over time, that supports point-to-point logistics, 10 tons of cargo, anywhere on Earth in an hour. It also creates the foundation for a reusable reentry network and enables new categories of space activity, including in-space manufacturing, supporting AI data centers, advanced manufacturing, and novel materials. 

We have a strong foundation, clear demand, and a technical path in front of us. Now the company is scaling rapidly. We are expanding the team, growing our operational footprint, and building the systems needed to execute at the next level. This is a chance to join a company with real traction, working on a problem that matters, at the point where execution and scale begin to define the outcome.  

The Role 

Outpost's vehicles are unlike anything in the market, reusable, fabric-shielded, paraglider-guided Earth-return spacecraft. We're looking for a Mechanical Engineer who will own the design and delivery of flight and ground hardware for our Atmospheric Entry (ATMO) subsystem, the hardware that keeps customer payloads safe from launch through landing. 

This role spans the full engineering lifecycle, design, analysis, drawing release, build support, and test. You'll work alongside an integrated team and have meaningful ownership of your hardware from day one. 

What You’ll Do 

• Design and develop mechanical systems for atmospheric recovery, including deployable structures, aerodynamic decelerators, recovery mechanisms, airframe interfaces, and precision landing hardware from requirements through release, build support, and qualification.
• Develop CDR-level design packages: CAD, drawings, specifications, analysis, and test plans.
• Define and manage hardware requirements, interface with mission operations and payload customers.
• Perform or coordinate structural and thermal analysis to verify hardware margins.
• Write and execute qualification and acceptance test procedures, support environmental test campaigns.
• Participate in peer reviews and formal milestone reviews (CDR, TRR, etc.).
• Drive design reviews (PDR/CDR) and prepare clear documentation, drawings, BOMs, and work instructions.
• Perform other duties as required.

 Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.
• 5-10 years designing flight hardware structures and mechanisms.
• Experience taking hardware from concept to production and/or flight.
• Strong proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) and mechanical analysis tools (structural/thermal in Ansys - Solidworks).
• Experience designing structures, mechanisms, deployables, or aerodynamic structures (parachutes/paragliders, flaps, linkages, hinges, etc.).
• Understanding of load path, interfaces, and environmental requirements for high-energy flight environments.
• Experience executing rapid, hands-on prototypes to support fast design–build–test cycles.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Understanding of spacecraft environmental requirements (launch loads, shock, vibration, thermal).
• Write and read engineering requirements and interface control documents.
• Strong cross-functional communication - you'll work daily with systems, integration, and test engineers. 

 Preferred Experience 

• Experience taking hardware through at least one formal design review (PDR or CDR); exposure to qualification testing strongly preferred. 
• Experience with reentry systems, atmospheric flight vehicles, TPS interfaces, or parachute/paraglider systems.
• Background integrating soft goods with rigid structures.
• Experience in hypersonic, supersonic, or high-aero-load environments.
• Field test experience (drop tests, flight tests, parachute deployments, etc.).
• Familiarity with DOF-limited mechanisms and precision actuation in harsh environments. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $125,000 – $160,000; (commensurate with experience).
• Additional Compensation:  Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
• Shared upside: Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental. 
  
• Protection when it matters: Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
• PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
• Invest in your future: 401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
• Fueled for the mission: Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
• Mission that matters: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
• Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
• Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more! 

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 ,or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.