Cowboy Space is a startup building orbital data-center satellites and an in-house rocket program to launch them.
SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER About Cowboy Space Corp: Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth. Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure. About the Role: As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in designing and building the physical systems that enable our spacecraft to operate reliably in space. You will own critical hardware from concept through flight, working across structures, mechanisms, thermal systems, and packaging to deliver high-performance, flight-ready designs. This is a hands-on role at the center of hardware development. You will work closely with propulsion, power, avionics, GNC, and software teams to design integrated systems, rapidly prototype, and validate through testing. You’ll be expected to move quickly, iterate often, and take ownership of hardware that directly impacts mission success. Responsibilities: - Own mechanical design of spacecraft components and assemblies from concept through production - Design and develop structures, mechanisms, and thermal solutions for space environments - Develop and maintain engineering documentation, drawings, and release processes - Perform analysis including FEA, thermal, and tolerance stack-ups to validate designs - Drive rapid prototyping, build, and test cycles to accelerate hardware development - Collaborate cross-functionally with propulsion, power, avionics, GNC, and software engineering teams - Support integration, environmental testing, and launch readiness activities - Troubleshoot hardware issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement design improvements - Work with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure high-quality, scalable production - Balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule in design decisions Basic Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field - 5+ years of experience designing mechanical systems for aerospace or high-performance hardware - Experience taking hardware from concept through build and test - Strong fundamentals in mechanics, materials, and thermal systems - Proficiency with CAD (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, or similar) - Experience working in fast-paced, hardware-focused development environments Preferred Qualifications: - Experience designing for space environments (thermal, vibration, vacuum) - Background in spacecraft structures, mechanisms, or thermal systems - Experience with FEA and/or thermal analysis tools - Hands-on experience with prototyping, machining, or test setups - Experience working at a high-growth or early-stage hardware company - Familiarity with integration, environmental testing, or launch operations Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. - Equity in Cowboy Space Corp. - Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance - 401(k) retirement savings plan - Paid time off - 10 paid holidays per calendar year - Paid parental leave - Relocation assistance if applicable - Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks ITAR Requirements - Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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. Learn more about ITAR here https://deccs.pmddtc.state.gov/deccs. Disclaimer This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion. Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.