Cowboy Space is a startup building orbital data-center satellites and an in-house rocket program to launch them.
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 The Payload Mechanical team is looking for a Senior Mechanisms Engineer to act as the responsible engineer for gimbal mechanism development on our laser communications payloads. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated expert with a versatile skill set and deep hands-on experience with flight mechanisms for high-reliability space systems, comfortable driving everything from conceptual design and performance budgeting to precision component procurement and rigorous hardware execution. This role spans concept development, mechanical design, analysis, procurement, integration, and qualification of precision pointing and tracking mechanisms for flight. You will work closely with optical, laser, controls, and systems engineers to deliver flight-ready gimbals that meet demanding performance and reliability requirements. Previous experience driving end-to-end development of precision flight mechanisms, managing stringent performance budgets, and qualifying hardware for space environments in a fast-paced environment is required. Responsibilities: - Own the full development lifecycle of gimbal mechanisms for laser communications payloads, from concept through flight qualification - Design precision gimbal assemblies, including bearings, flexures, motors, encoders, and structural members - Perform mechanism-level analysis including kinematics, stiffness, backlash, torque margin, thermal expansion, and bearing life modeling - Define mechanism performance requirements and interface specifications in coordination with optical and controls teams - Specify and procure precision components including bearings, motors, encoders, and custom machined parts; own supplier relationships and acceptance testing - Develop and execute integration and verification procedures for flight hardware - Define and execute qualification test plans including functional testing, life testing, vibration, shock, and thermal-vacuum - Develop and maintain mechanism drawings, GD&T specifications, assembly procedures, and test reports - Collaborate with controls engineers to support mechanism characterization and closed-loop performance validation - Participate in design reviews and contribute to system-level pointing and tracking trade studies Basic Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field - 5+ years of experience designing and developing precision mechanisms for flight hardware in aerospace or defense programs - Demonstrated experience as the technical owner of end-to-end mechanism development including design, analysis, procurement, integration, and test - Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and engineering drawing/GD&T - Experience with mechanism analysis including kinematics, stiffness, torque margin, and bearing life calculations - Hands-on experience with flight mechanism integration, alignment, and functional testing in a lab environment - Familiarity with precision components including angular contact bearings, brushless DC motors, and optical encoders - Experience taking flight mechanisms through environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum) Preferred Qualifications - Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering - 8+ years of experience in precision flight mechanism development for space or defense programs - Experience designing gimbal mechanisms for laser communications, optical payloads, or antenna pointing systems - Familiarity with fast steering mirrors or other precision beam-pointing devices - Experience with mechanism lubrication strategies for space environments - Familiarity with closed-loop control of gimbal mechanisms and interaction with pointing error budgets - Experience with life and wear testing and reliability analysis for space mechanisms - Hands-on experience building and qualifying flight hardware in a cleanroom environment Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $152,000 - $220,000 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. 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 a