Recent Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Katalyst Description:

Katalyst is an American technology companyfocused on dynamic space operations.We are building a fleet ofdual-use multipurposerobotic space vehiclestocreate thefuture where maneuvering upgrading refuelingresupplyand exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained responsive operations possible we enable a new era of spaceexplorationthat strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense hands-on and deeply rewarding. Youll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility craftsmanship and doing things the right way even when its harder. Youll work closely with thoughtful driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

WhatYoullDo

• Contribute directly to the design analysis development manufacturing integration test and operation of spacecraft mechanical systems structures mechanisms and flight hardware.

• Own well-scoped mechanical engineering problems from requirements and concept development through CAD analysis drawing release fabrication integration test documentation and closure with support from senior engineers.

• Work hands-on with CAD drawings analysis tools prototypes flight hardware fixtures test equipment manufacturing processes inspection data and integration activities rather thanoperatingonly at the analysis or documentation layer.

• Participate in design reviews hardware builds integration activities test campaigns anomaly investigations and mission-readiness activities; communicate mechanical performance risks assumptions and decisions clearly.

• Collaborate across avionics GNC propulsion software systems manufacturing and mission operations to understand mechanical interfaces and system-level impacts on spacecraft performance.

• Build engineering judgment by comparing calculations and structural thermal or mechanism analyses against inspection test and hardware dataidentifyingdiscrepancies and iterating toward reliable flight hardware.

• Document requirements assumptions interfaces calculations CAD drawings tolerances analyses test results procedures and technical decisions so others can review reproduce manufacture and integrate the work.

• Take increasing ownership as technical capability grows progressing from supervised design and analysis tasks toward independent part- assembly- mechanism- or subsystem-level responsibility.

• Support spacecraft mission execution by helping translate missionobjectivesand constraints into credible mechanical designs analyses hardware integration plans test approaches and operational recommendations.

WhatWereLooking For

• Bachelors degree completed or expected before start date in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Robotics or a closely related technical field.

• Strong academic or project-based grounding in mechanics statics and dynamics structures materials machine design heat transfer manufacturing or related mechanical engineering fundamentals with the ability to explain technical reasoning from first principles.

• Demonstrated hands-on mechanical engineering experience through internships research student spacecraft or robotics teams capstone projects personal projects laboratories machine-shop work or prior employment.

• Ability to break down ambiguous mechanical problemsidentifyassumptions and loads buildappropriate models make reasonable design tradeoffs andvalidatework through analysis inspection prototype test or data.

• Clear written and verbal technical communication including the ability to explain what was personally designed modeled analyzed built integrated tested or debugged versus what was completed by a team.

• Comfort learning new spacecraft hardware materials mechanisms manufacturing methods analysis tools and mission concepts quickly in an environment where responsibilities may evolve with program needs.

• Ability to collaborate closely with avionics GNC propulsion software systems manufacturing and mission-operations engineers and accept direct technical feedback without losing ownership of the problem.

• Ability tocomply withapplicable export-control requirements and customer-access restrictions.

Your Ideal Background

Preferred

• Internship research co-op or project experience in spacecraft aerospace robotics mechanisms structures manufacturing defense technology high-reliability hardware or another mechanically demanding environment.

• Experience taking a mechanicalcomponent assembly mechanism or structure from concept and design into fabrication integration or test and using the results to drive changes.

• Exposure to CAD mechanisms structures thermal or structural analysis materials manufacturing GD&T tolerance analysis test fixtures hardware integration or mechanical testing.

• Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work hands-on in the office lab integration or test environment as required and to support occasional extended hours during critical test or mission activities.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $80000 - $105000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical vision and dental coverage and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130 which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information and as a result Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or national origin.