Space Mechanisms Engineer

Space Mechanisms Engineer

Infinite Orbits

Toulouse, France

About the Role

You will lead the design, development, and qualification of space mechanisms across all IO missions, with a focus on robotic arms and thruster actuation systems. This is a high-ownership role where you are responsible for ensuring that mechanisms not only work on paper but also survive launch, perform flawlessly in orbit, and continue to do so over the mission lifetime.

In a small space robotics company, your designs won’t linger in CAD. They will be built, tested, challenged, and ultimately sent into space under your responsibility.

Job Description

Technical Ownership

• Own the full lifecycle of critical mechanisms across IO missions.
• Design and deliver:
  • Robotic arm joints, end-effectors, and deployment systems.
  • Thruster gimbals, valves, and actuation systems.
• Ensure all actuator elements (launch locks, motors, gearboxes, lubricants) are correctly sized, selected, and qualified according to mission requirements.
• Define mechanism architectures and actuation strategies (electric, spring-driven, hold-down & release, etc.).

Design, Analysis & Verification

• Perform and lead detailed mechanical design activities:
  • CAD, tolerance stack-ups, and precision alignment strategies.
• Carry out comprehensive analysis and verification campaigns, including:
  • Structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses.
  • Launch loads (vibration, shock, quasi-static).
  • On-orbit performance (thermal cycling, wear, lubrication behavior).
• Design and verify supporting subsystems around mechanisms, including:
  • Fluidic piping across moving/rotary interfaces.
  • Electrical harness routing across joints and articulations.
• Develop lifetime and reliability models for mission-critical hardware.

Testing & Qualification

• Define and lead mechanism qualification and validation strategies.
• Execute and oversee test campaigns:
  • Functional, vibration, thermal vacuum, and life-cycle testing.
• Investigate anomalies and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure mechanisms meet qualification standards for flight readiness.

System Integration & Collaboration

• Work closely with robotics, GNC, propulsion, and systems engineering teams.
• Ensure alignment with system-level requirements and spacecraft interfaces.
• Collaborate with suppliers and partners across Europe for component development and procurement.
• Support AIT and launch campaign activities.

Mentorship & Technical Leadership

• Mentor junior engineers and review designs.
• Act as a key contributor in design reviews (PDR, CDR, QR).
• Contribute to internal standards, methodologies, and best practices.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in designing high-reliability mechanisms (space preferred).
• Proven experience delivering hardware through full lifecycle (design → test → qualification).
• Strong expertise in CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) and analysis methods.
• Deep understanding of:
  • Precision mechanisms (bearings, gears, actuators).
  • Tribology and lubrication in vacuum environments.
  • Materials for space applications (CTE, outgassing, fatigue).
  • Structural and thermal behavior in space conditions.