About the Role

Catalyx Space is seeking a highly skilled Space Mechanisms Engineer specializing in Separation Systems. This senior-level position is integral to our mission of building next-generation entry systems and spacecraft platforms. The ideal candidate will lead the comprehensive design, development, and qualification of critical spacecraft separation devices. We are looking for an engineer with proven, hands-on experience in flight-proven separation systems who is eager to take ownership of the entire lifecycle of these vital mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, architecture, and qualification of spacecraft separation systems.
• Drive the development of innovative separation mechanisms for spacecraft applications.
• Perform and support dynamic modeling and modal response simulations to ensure system integrity.
• Conduct rigorous qualification testing, including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) environments.
• Collaborate closely with systems and structures teams to ensure seamless integration of separation mechanisms.
• Deliver flight-qualified separation hardware along with all necessary supporting documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in spacecraft mechanisms, with a minimum of 3 years specifically focused on separation systems.
• Direct, hands-on experience with flight-proven spacecraft separation hardware is essential.
• Strong expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 standards, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM).
• A solid understanding of tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks layout design, linkage, or equivalent mechanism design software.
• Experience in modeling complex joints is required.
• Proven experience with vibration analysis and testing of spacecraft mechanisms.
• Expertise in creating CMM probing area descriptions for parts to facilitate inspection and validation.
• Deep experience with coatings, plating, and other surface treatment processes relevant to mechanism hardware.
• Strong experience utilizing ANSYS or similar CAE packages for structural, modal, and thermal analysis of mechanisms.
• Experience participating in and managing qualification test campaigns (shock, vibration, TVAC).
• Responsibility for procurement activities and coordinating with vendors to ensure timely delivery of parts and services.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with a wide range of spacecraft separation systems.
• Proven ability to deliver flight heritage hardware.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends as required to meet project deadlines.