Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system - you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!
Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Manager, the Sr. Mechanical Engineer will will lead or contribute to all aspects of spacecraft mechanical design, including spacecraft layout, structural and thermal sub-system design, mechanism design, payload and launch vehicle integration, through all stages of product lifecycle. The Sr. Mechanical Engineer will turn designs into reality via prototyping, development testing, and low-rate initial production.
Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead small teams in the mechanical engineering design and development of spacecraft and spacecraft sub-systems including flight hardware, mechanisms, and ground support equipment.
• Model spacecraft and ground support equipment mechanical parts, cable harnesses, and assemblies in accordance with industry best practices.
• Conduct vehicle and sub-system analysis using appropriate means including hand calculations, finite element analysis, and other relevant techniques to ensure design robustness early in the product lifecycle.
• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including drawings, Bills of Material, Interface Control Drawings, Compliance Verification Matrices, and Design Notebooks.
• Generate and present technical content in support of internal and external design reviews.
• In coordination with the Electrical Integration and Harness Manufacturing teams, develop spacecraft electrical cabling solutions, including connector selection, bundle design, routing, retention, and integration instructions.
• Contribute mechanical engineering expertise to refine production workflows, assembly sequences, and testing protocols, ensuring efficient integration during the initial low-volume production phase.
• Coordinate the execution of design and analysis activities of the mechanical, electrical integration, structural and thermal analysts to meet program milestones and schedule.
• Collaborate with design engineers, manufacturing engineers, automation engineers and production personnel on implementing design for manufacturing and assembly best practices.
• Review and approve engineering work of peers including design analysis, drawings, models, schematics, specifications, test plans, work instructions, and operating procedures.
• Stay updated with advancements in technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes, and apply this knowledge to enhance the design and performance of space vehicles.
• Contribute to Process Development and Continuous Improvement.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• 5+ years of experience designing complex mechanical systems in space, aerospace, automotive, or a similar sector.
• Robust capability with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.
• Proficient in the interpretation and application of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Hands-on experience with hardware manufacture, inspection, assembly, and/or testing from a relevant industry.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and coordinate with various engineering disciplines.
• Experience conducting technical peer reviews and providing constructive feedback.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Experience interfacing with internal and external customers.
• Passion for space technology and a commitment to advancing the industry through innovative engineering solutions.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Demonstrated product ownership across the product lifecycle.
• Experience in a production environment within the space/ aerospace industry.
• Ability to support the technical growth of the engineering team through mentoring initiatives.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!
Salary Range
$105,000-$155,000 USD
Full-time positions only:
Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com
Physical Demands
An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.
Work Environment
The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.
Disclaimers
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.
Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.
Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.
And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.