Mechanical Test Engineer
Katalyst Space Technologies
Katalyst Description:
At Katalyst, we see human expansion into space not as a distant future, but as a present reality. As this growth accelerates, the need for advanced, reliable spacecraft has never been more critical. We are standing at this forefront specializing in rendezvous and proximity operations creating spacecraft that can reconfigure, refuel, inspect and protect satellites on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. In order to accomplish our mission, we also process data from a network of space-based sensors, both existing and deployable upgrades, using state of the art machine learning and advanced orbital dynamic filtering algorithms to increase space domain awareness, becoming the eyes and ears on orbit.
You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:
- Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
- Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
- Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.
Role Description:
We’re looking for a Mechanical Test Engineer who will take ownership of critical mechanical testing activities, including our array offloader system and TSM (Test Support Module) testing. You’ll work closely with our mechanical technicians, engineers, and systems team to ensure our hardware is tested, verified, and ready for mission success.
This is a hands-on role for someone who can design, execute, and improve mechanical test procedures in a startup environment where adaptability and resourcefulness are essential.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the planning, execution, and documentation of mechanical tests for the array offloader system and TSM hardware.
- Work directly with mechanical technicians to prepare, instrument, and run tests.
- Develop test fixtures, tooling, and setups to support mechanical test campaigns.
- Create and maintain detailed test procedures, data collection protocols, and results reports.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot, iterate, and validate designs based on test outcomes.
- Ensure test activities meet relevant aerospace standards and quality requirements.
- Manage test equipment calibration, maintenance, and readiness.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 3+ years of hands-on mechanical test engineering experience (aerospace or hardware-heavy industry preferred).
- Proficiency with mechanical measurement systems (strain gauges, load cells, displacement sensors, etc.).
- Experience creating test plans, procedures, and reports.
- Strong understanding of structural and mechanical systems, load paths, and failure modes.
- Comfortable with rapid prototyping, iterative design, and adapting to changing requirements.
Preferred:
- Experience with spacecraft hardware or spaceflight component testing.
- Knowledge of aerospace environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, shock).
- CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) for test fixture design.
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems and test automation tools.
Additional Requirements:
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Compensation and Benefits:
Anticipated salary range for this role is $95,000 - $140,000
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
