Founding Mechanical Engineer (Robotic Systems)

About General Astronautics

Robotics for Space R&D

Tech

Our autonomous robotic arms are designed for small form factor deployment and operate without human intervention in microgravity. The core technical challenge is applying the cutting edge of robot learning and reasoning to a data-denied environment where microgravity manipulation datasets are scarce, physics behave differently, and teleoperation latency rules out human fallback. Our stack spans low-level real-time arm control, multi-camera perception and localization, and learned manipulation policies trained on both open-source datasets and proprietary microgravity-specific data. We combine decades of accumulated space biology and materials research with modern robotics and machine learning to build a system that generalizes across novel lab tasks in orbit. The result is a platform that makes the known commercial value of orbital drug, semiconductor, and fiber optic production finally accessible at scale.

The role

General Astronautics is building autonomous dexterous robotic arms for microgravity environments. Our systems enable orbital science and manufacturing that isn't possible on Earth, and we're doing it without humans in the loop. We're looking for a Founding Mechanical Engineer to own the design and development of our robotic arm from concept through flight-ready hardware. This is a **high-ownership**, **high-accountability role**. You will be one of the first engineers at the company, and the hardware you build will fly.**Responsibilities*** Lead architecture, design, development, and test of a robotic arm for autonomous microgravity operations* Own hardware from concept through detailed design, prototyping, qualification, integration, and deployment* Design precision mechanisms, joints, end effectors, actuator interfaces, and electromechanical assemblies optimized for vacuum, vibration, thermal cycling, and microgravity* Perform trade studies across mass, stiffness, reach, payload, repeatability, thermal performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost* Generate 3D CAD, 2D drawings, release packages, interface definitions, and technical documentation* Perform hand calculations, tolerance analyses, and FEA to validate component and subsystem designs* Define requirements, loads, interfaces, error budgets, and verification plans at component, subsystem, and system levels* Build and test prototypes, analyze failures, and drive root-cause resolution and design iteration* Work cross-functionally with controls, autonomy, software, avionics, and manufacturing to deliver an integrated flight system**Basic Qualifications*** Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline* 2+ years of experience designing, building, analyzing, and testing complex mechanical or electromechanical hardware* Proficiency in professional CAD software (NX, CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent)* Strong fundamentals in machine design, structural sizing, mechanism design, and electromechanical integration* Experience with hand calculations, tolerance analysis, and FEA* Proficiency with GD&T and engineering drawing standards (ASME Y14.5)* Hands-on experience building, debugging, and testing hardware**Preferred Skills and Experience*** Experience with robotic arms, manipulators, precision mechanisms, deployables, or other articulated hardware* Experience designing mechanisms for space, vacuum, or other harsh environments, thermal qualification, vibration, contamination control* Experience integrating motors, encoders, controllers, PCBAs, and harnessing into mechanical assemblies* Background in aerospace, defense, semiconductor equipment, or medical devices* Experience with requirements verification, formal hardware qualification, and V&V processes* Familiarity with PLM tools and configuration-managed hardware development* Experience transitioning hardware from prototype to flight production**ITAR / Citizenship Requirements**To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR [here](https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987).

Skills

• CAD Design
• Sensor integration