TCA Mechanical Design Engineer Level 1

• Own end-to-end TCA hardware lifecycle from requirements through manufacturing to flight qualification
• Lead mechanical design optimized for manufacturability, applying physics-based analysis — hand calculations, thermal and structural FEA, and tolerance stack-ups
• Implement advanced manufacturing techniques: additive manufacturing, precision CNC machining, EDM, and specialized joining (e.g. laser welding, vacuum brazing, diffusion bonding)
• 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 balancing performance with manufacturing constraints
• Release production-ready models, drawings, specifications, and release documentation
• Work directly with machinists, welders, and technicians on the shop floor to close the loop between design intent and what actually gets built

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering
• 1+ years of experience in mechanical design for rocket engine or comparable high-performance hardware. Internships, co-ops, and competition or research team experience count.
• Strong mechanical design proficiency with DFM/DFA emphasis, leading to hands-on fabrication, assembly or component manufacturing experience
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo), structural analysis tools, and creating engineering drawings to ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and structural mechanics
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, 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

ITAR Requirements

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 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. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here https://deccs.pmddtc.state.gov/deccs.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

• 2+ years of experience with rocket engine TCA hardware, including component lifecycle ownership through production
• Hands-on experience with CNC machining, welding/brazing, or additive manufacturing
• Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) experience
• 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
• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Leadership role on a student rocketry, Formula SAE, or similar design-build-test team
• Willingness to spend regular time on the shop floor and at the test stand, including occasional off-hours work during test campaigns
• Experience at a fast-moving, hardware-focused startup or early-stage program

The salary range for this position is $100,000 – $150,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 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 and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks