Mechanism Engineer- Assembly, Integration & Test- West Texas

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer (AIT) to join a high‑impact team supporting the design, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft mechanisms for a next‑generation satellite constellation. This role is hands‑on and mission‑critical, focused on deployment systems and precision mechanisms (rather than static structures or analysis‑only work).

Key Responsibilities:

• Assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft mechanisms including hinges, yokes, actuators, HDRMs, release devices, and deployable booms/arms with thousands of moving parts per satellite.

• Perform hands‑on mechanical integration and inspection on the factory floor alongside technicians.

• Develop and operate ground support equipment (GSE) for vibration, shock, and thermal‑vacuum (TVAC) testing of deployment hardware.

• Perform tolerance stack‑up analysis to ensure alignment, prevent binding, and enable clean, reliable deployment of moving assemblies.

• Calculate and verify torque margins, hinge preload, and separation forces for deployment actuators and release systems.

• Analyze test data and define pass/fail criteria, supporting spacecraft‑level integration, launch, and on‑orbit support.

• Troubleshoot deployment anomalies and perform root‑cause failure investigations; drive corrective actions and design/process improvements for mechanisms that do not deploy cleanly.

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with structures, avionics, harness, AOCS, solar, quality, and production teams to ensure mechanism performance from design through mission deployment.

Qualifications:

• 3–10+ years of hands‑on experience with aerospace mechanisms, deployment systems, or precision moving assemblies (structures‑only or stress‑analysis‑only backgrounds will not suffice).

• Proven experience assembling, integrating, and testing deployable space hardware.

• Strong understanding of beam loading and bending moments as they apply to deployable systems, plus torque margin, hinge preload, and tolerance stack‑ups in moving assemblies.

• Ability to discuss real‑world deployment failure modes and corrective actions taken on flight or qualification hardware.

• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo) and common test equipment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent practical experience).

• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills with the ability to lead failure investigations.

• Flexibility for occasional weekend and early‑morning work (e.g., 4 AM deployment operations).

Compensation:

• Salary Range: ~$85,000–$100,000 for mid‑level engineers, $100,000–$140,000+ for senior engineers (**based on experience**)

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays

• Additional Benefits: $10K relocation assistance/ bonus + temp housing assistance, RSUs: 750-5000, monthly stipend: $750-$1000, and Unlimited PTO (after 90 days)

• Must be eligible to work in the United States and pass a background check

• Location: 100% onsite in West TX

Keywords:

Mechanisms Engineer, AIT, Aerospace, Satellite Integration, CAD, Creo, SolidWorks, Thermal Vacuum Testing, Vibration Testing, Ground Support Equipment, Test Engineering, Spacecraft, CubeSat, Launch Operations, Agile, Manufacturing, SpaceTech