Mechanical & Fluid Systems Manager

Astrobotic Technology, Inc. is a space robotics company that seeks to make space accessible to the world. The company’s suite of lunar landers delivers payloads to the Moon for companies, governments, universities, non-profits, and individuals. The company is also developing advanced space robotics capabilities such as terrain relative navigation, mobile robotics for lunar surface operations, and reliable computing systems for mission-critical applications. Originally spun out of Carnegie Mellon University in 2007, Astrobotic is pioneering affordable planetary access that promises to spark a new era of exploration, science, tourism, resource utilization, and mining. Astrobotic’s headquarters is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a second location in Mojave, California.

Astrobotic wants you to join the Landers & Spacecraft (L&S) as manager for the Mechanical and Fluids Systems team which is responsible for leading efforts around Mechanism and Structural design, Propulsion system design and Thermodynamic analysis. You will ensure the coordination of technical plans and the quality of technical work to support program timelines. You will communicate internally with L&S sub-systems and other Astrobotic departments. You will externally communicate with customers, partners, and suppliers. You will guide staffing, training, and development for your subsystem teams to support the selection and retention of top engineering talent. Reports to the Director of Landers and Spacecraft.

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the performance and work products of the MFS subsystems
• Coordinating with other L&S managers (including the program office) to generate statements of work, develop program staffing plans, report project progress and any changes made to program schedules.
• Coordinate with the Advanced Programs team to support new business activities and technology road mapping
• Motivating others to deliver products consistently, on time, and on budget.
• Contributing to product design and establishment of requirements.
• Ensuring deliverables meet company standards.
• Conduct interviews, hire, and train new technical staff.
• Administering personnel actions such as timecards, performance reviews, promotions, corrective action, merit planning, etc.
• Coaching performance and providing feedback to individuals and teams.
• Recommending and guiding training and development plans for individuals and teams.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• B.S. in Engineering or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and teams to a successful conclusion.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: structural analysis, structural dynamics, electronic packaging, material & processing (M&P), mechanisms, thermal, propulsion, mechanical design, and manufacturing.
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills, able to self-start with minimal guidance and show composure under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills and comfortable communicating at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated experience motivating and coaching others to do their best work.
• 5+ years of relevant experience

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree in Engineering or equivalent work experience
• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Schedule and budget management.
• Experience working with external customers such as commercial companies and government agencies (NASA, AFRL, DARPA, etc.)
• Eligibility to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance.

Proficiency of, or familiarity with, several the following:

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA, ANSYS preferred), including low and medium fidelity modeling techniques.
• CAD and lifecycle management tools (SolidWorks, SpaceClaim, and Teamcenter preferred).
• Designing, analyzing, or testing mechanisms including bearings, gears, cams, springs, etc.
• Correlating structural analysis and dynamic predictions to test results and failure modes.
• Rigid Body Dynamics (RBD)
• ASME Y14.5 drafting standards.
• Designing primary structural components.
• Optimizing components for mass, such as using topology optimization tools (ANSYS Discovery preferred)
• Routing plumbing and/or electrical harness in 3D
• Spacecraft level environmental testing, such as vibration, acoustic, and/or thermal vacuum (TVAC)
• Non-destructive inspection techniques such as coordinate-measuring machines (CMM), ultrasonic inspection (UT), dye-penetrant, etc.
• Designing, analyzing, or testing thermal control systems (heaters, sensors, radiators, multi-layer insulation (MLI), coatings, active cooling systems, etc.)
• Designing, analyzing, or testing propulsion systems (tanks, valves, filters, engines, etc.)
• Testing pressurized fluid and gas systems, including proof, burst, and performance characterization.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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. Department of State.

Astrobotic Technology, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to contact@astrobotic.com.