Freelance Wire Edm Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA

A VC-funded, early-stage space technology startup in Seattle is developing next-generation Geospatial Intelligence technology, centered around a proven and scalable electronically steered radar architecture.

The technology supports sophisticated spaceborne applications including Earth observation using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), alongside advanced defense applications such as ground and airborne target tracking.

We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of the full lifecycle development of electromechanical hardware for a spaceborne radar payload.

This is a highly hands-on position for an engineer who enjoys taking hardware from requirements and initial design through fabrication, integration, testing and environmental qualification.

What you'll be doing

• Own mechanical and electromechanical hardware from requirements definition through design, fabrication, test and qualification
• Develop rugged PCB assemblies, avionics enclosures, RF hardware, power-system packaging and mounting solutions for harsh environments including Low Earth Orbit
• Perform engineering analysis including bolted-joint, modal/vibration, static and dynamic thermal analysis and tolerance stack-ups
• Develop organized, configurable and production-ready 3D CAD
• Produce engineering drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5-2018
• Design hardware capable of successfully completing demanding environmental qualification programs
• Make informed cost, schedule and performance trade-offs across manufacturing processes including CNC machining, PCB manufacturing, additive metal manufacturing, Wire EDM, electroforming and injection molding
• Support payload development and spacecraft integration while managing technical and schedule dependencies
• Work closely with electrical, RF, thermal, manufacturing and systems engineering teams
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, innovation and ownership

What we're looking for

• BS, MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline
• 6+ years of relevant mechanical and thermal design experience, or equivalent demonstrated expertise
• Strong 3D CAD capability; experience with tools such as Onshape is particularly relevant
• Strong finite element analysis experience, including tools such as ANSYS
• Experience with electronics packaging and PCB-related mechanical design
• Experience developing hardware for demanding aerospace, defense or similarly harsh operating environments
• Understanding of GD&T and engineering drawings
• Strong ownership mentality with the ability to independently drive complex hardware projects
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present technical findings across engineering disciplines
• Ability to work on-site in Seattle, WA
• Ability to undertake occasional domestic travel, expected to be less than 10%

Particularly valuable experience

We're especially interested in candidates with one or more of the following:

• Spacecraft, satellite or Low Earth Orbit hardware development
• Electronically steered/phased-array radar systems
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), ISR or target-tracking missions
• RF mechanical hardware including antennas, waveguides and phase-matched cabling
• Space-compatible materials, finishes, lubricants, films, composites, adhesives and insulating materials
• Environmental qualification standards such as SMC-S-016
• Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Mechanical or ANSYS Icepak
• CNC machining, 3-axis/5-axis milling, Wire EDM or CMM/metrology systems
• Defense contracting environments
• Active or previously held US Government TS/SCI clearance
• Experience working in small, fast-moving aerospace or space technology teams