Job Title:
Junior Mechanical Engineer
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Employment Type:
Full-time
Salary Range:
From $85,000 to $115,000 depending on experience
About ThinkOrbital:
ThinkOrbital is developing breakthrough technologies to defend, service, and build in space. From pioneering autonomous welding in orbit to long-range X-ray imaging systems for space domain awareness and infrastructure inspection, we are redefining what’s possible in the final frontier. Our team is made up of driven engineers, scientists, and operators who thrive in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.
Position Summary:
We’re looking for a Junior Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, manufacturing, and deployment of our space and terrestrial products. This is a hands-on role for an early-career engineer who brings fresh ideas, challenges conventional approaches, and is excited to explore new materials and manufacturing processes. The engineer will work closely with a cross-disciplinary team to take hardware from initial concepts through prototyping, testing, and production.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design mechanical components, assemblies, and supporting hardware for spacecraft, unmanned aerial systems, X-ray systems, and ground equipment
- Develop 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and supporting design documentation
- Perform hand calculations and basic structural, thermal, and tolerance analyses under the guidance of senior engineers
- Collaborate with electrical, systems, manufacturing, and test teams to integrate hardware and resolve technical issues
- Support prototype fabrication, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and design iteration
- Evaluate materials and manufacturing processes, including machining, sheet metal, welding, additive manufacturing, composites, and other emerging techniques
- Apply design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly principles to improve cost, schedule, performance, and reliability
- Work with suppliers and internal technicians to support procurement, fabrication, inspection, and hardware builds
- Participate in design reviews, test campaigns, and root-cause investigations
- Maintain accurate configuration control and documentation throughout the product lifecycle
- Propose innovative design and manufacturing solutions that challenge existing assumptions and improve our products
Mandatory Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Up to three years of relevant professional experience
- Experience using 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or a comparable platform
- Understanding of mechanical design fundamentals, engineering drawings, GD&T, and dimensional tolerancing
- Familiarity with common engineering materials and manufacturing processes
- Experience developing and building hardware through employment, internships, research, student organizations, capstone projects, or personal projects
- Ability and willingness to work hands-on with prototypes, flight hardware, tools, and test equipment
- Strong problem-solving skills and an eagerness to tackle unfamiliar or ambiguous technical challenges
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Desired Qualifications:
- Internship, research, or project experience involving aerospace, drones, robotics, automotive systems, or other complex electromechanical products
- Participation in collegiate engineering teams such as CubeSat, rocketry, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics, or similar programs
- Experience taking a design from concept through fabrication, assembly, and testing
- Familiarity with structural or thermal analysis using FEA or hand calculations
- Experience with additive manufacturing, lightweight structures, composites, welding, or advanced manufacturing processes
- Experience operating machine tools, 3D printers, or other fabrication equipment
- Familiarity with environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal cycling, or vacuum testing
- Basic knowledge of aerospace design practices, configuration control, or quality standards
- Experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for engineering calculations and test-data analysis
- Demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to question traditional design and manufacturing approaches
What We Offer:
Competitive benefits and stock options
Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
Flexible work schedule
Opportunity to shape next-generation space systems
A small, fast-moving team where your impact is tangible
Pay: $85,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
