Mechanical Engineer

Introduction

Orbital Paradigm provides agile microgravity and Earth return transportation for the upcoming in-space industry. Thanks to our highly autonomous software-centric small return vehicle Kestrel we offer high cadence flight opportunities from space back to Earth, with precise arrival for fast payload recovery. Small mass, frequent&streamlined access, soft and safe flights back from orbit.

Your role as Mechanical Engineer

You will be responsible for the design, development, and testing of the mechanical components for Kestrel. Your key duties will include:

• Designing, analyzing and supporting the prototyping of Kestrel mechanical subsystem and components.
• Creating detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using CAD software.
• Conducting structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses to ensure designs meet performance and safety requirements.
• Collaborating with the team to advance the full system design, identifying
• Conducting testing and validation of prototypes and final products.
• Troubleshooting and resolving design and manufacturing issues.

Required Technical Skills

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, or SolidEdge).
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including structural analysis, thermal analysis, and materials science.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools.
• Knowledge of space systems engineering and relevant industry standards.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and materials selection for space applications.
• Ability to adapt and apply engineering principles to solve new and unique challenges.

Required Soft Skills

• Team spirit, strong collaboration and teamwork capability
• Can do attitude
• Capability of maintaining a positive contribution to the team under pressure
• Willingness to learn and grow professionally
• Open to new challenges
• Empathy, curiosity, open mindedness
• Resilience and adaptability
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing project requirements and priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Creative thinking and innovation in design solutions.

Desired Skills

• Experience with space systems design and development.
• Knowledge of topological optimization of mechanical design geometries.
• Knowledge of space environment effects on materials and components.
• Experience with rapid prototyping and manufacturing techniques.
• Understanding of systems engineering principles and practices.

Professional experience and academic background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in structural/mechanical engineering, preferably in the aerospace or space industry.
• Proven track record of successful project contributions from concept through to production.
• Hands on experience, even in student activities (Formula student, rocketry clubs, smallsats) will be highly appreciated. 

Who we are

We're a small but experienced team that will work close to you on the development of Kestrel.

As part of Orbital Paradigm’s Team, you will be one of the pillars of the company closely working with the starting team and participating on the initial stages of the company development, having the opportunity to quickly grew up on a very dynamic and challenging environment.

• We care: we value collaboration, honesty, respect and empathy. We are a group of people working together to reach a hard goal, and we need to support and help each other. Our team is our most valuable asset. For us it’s important to have good human relationships so that we can have good work relationships. 
• Continuous growth: we want you to learn, improve, and become a better professional. We’ll make mistakes, and there will be failures and problems. That’s normal. What’s important is to learn from all that, to progress, and to keep pushing. We want to bet on your potential, because your growth is our growth, and we’ll support you as much as we can. 
• We go the extra mile (or kilometer, in our case :-) ): we strive to achieve our goals. You will not be just a cog in a huge machine: your contribution and effort will be fundamental for our success, and you will have a relevant role in our company. 
• We trust you: we believe in personal ownership and responsibility, and we trust your judgment, both in technical and non-technical aspects. We are not here to control you, but to support you and help you perform at your best. We will value your opinion, and we’ll be happy to receive your feedback, and we think you can help us do things better. We expect that trust will be well put. 
• Passion and fun: we love space, we love engineering, and we love the opportunity of building a new company. We see the value in what we do. There’s way more to life than work, but as far as work goes, we try to enjoy it and have fun as much as we can. 

What we offer

• Job Location: Madrid, Spain 
• Opportunities to grow within the company, gaining responsibility early in your career
• 30 days of holidays: 23 days free to choose, 3 extra days in Easter week, 4 extra days in Christmas' week.
• Hybrid working: up to 2 days per week working from home, 2 weeks of remote working from any location +-1h time