Senior TCA Mechanical Design Engineer

The role

This person will own the end-to-end TCA hardware lifecycle from requirements through manufacturing to flight qualification. They will lead mechanical design for rocket engine injector, combustion chamber, and nozzle development.

What you will do

• Own end-to-end TCA hardware lifecycle from requirements through manufacturing to flight qualification
• Lead mechanical design optimized for manufacturability, applying physics-based analysis
• Implement advanced manufacturing techniques: additive manufacturing, precision CNC machining, EDM, and specialized joining
• Design tooling, fixtures, and work-holding solutions for rapid development and repeatable production
• Develop and qualify manufacturing process parameters for novel materials and geometries
• Plan and execute hotfire test campaigns, analyze results, and lead rapid redesign efforts

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering
• Strong mechanical design proficiency with DFM/DFA emphasis
• Hands-on experience with CNC machining, welding/brazing, or additive manufacturing
• Technical proficiency in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and structural mechanics

Nice to have

• Rocket engine TCA component lifecycle ownership including production
• Design for Additive Manufacturing expertise
• Precision machining knowledge: 5-axis CNC, high-speed machining, Swiss machining
• Specialized joining expertise: vacuum brazing, electron beam/laser welding, friction stir welding
• Tooling design: fixtures, EDM electrodes, CMM/welding fixtures
• Ansys Mechanical, Fluent, or Thermal Desktop experience
• Advanced degree in engineering discipline

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
• 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
• Fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

Before you apply

• 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. Depar

About the company

Cowboy Space Corporation is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy using modular, scalable satellites. The company is based in San Carlos, CA.