Your space-enabled career begins here

Are you ready to lead mechanical engineering efforts that expand the frontiers of space exploration with cutting edge space robotics? Lunar Outpost Oceania is seeking a talented, experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our fast paced, dynamic team. In this role, you will lead a team of engineers in the design and development of advanced mechanical systems for spacecraft and associated technologies. With a strong background in mechanical design, testing, and integration of complex hardware systems, your expertise will contribute to groundbreaking projects in lunar mobility and insitu resource utilisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of capable, motivated mechanical engineers in the design, development, and delivery of mechanical systems for space and terrestrial robotics platforms.

• Guide and review the development of 3D CAD models, technical drawings, and mechanical assemblies using industry-standard tools.

• Manage the implementation of good practices for CAD space organisation, geometrical accuracy, versioning control, and parts accountability.

• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of comprehensive technical documentation including BOMs, assembly drawings, specifications, analyses, ICDs, and test reports.

• Lead mechanical design reviews and perform detailed assessments of structural integrity, manufacturability, and performance trade-offs.

• Direct the design and fabrication of jigs, fixtures, and prototypes for testing, integration, and validation.

• Manage the development and execution of testing protocols for mechanical components and systems to meet performance and safety requirements.

• Supervise the operation and maintenance of machining and fabrication equipment including mills, lathes, and CNC machines.

• Lead collaboration with cross functional teams (Electrical, Systems, QA, AIT) to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems with rover platforms.

• Oversee the mechanical integration and verification activities including AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Test) campaigns.

• Track the status of all mechanical systems, manage risk, and recommend design improvements based on testing and feedback.

• Support recruitment, mentorship, and technical development of junior mechanical engineers, and act as a subject matter expert within the team.

• Contribute to outreach and business development efforts, representing mechanical engineering capabilities to internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or demonstrated equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering

• 5+ years of experience leading teams in mechanical design and development for complex hardware systems.

• Proficiency in CAD/CAM (e.g., SolidWorks [preferred], CATIA, or Inventor), with strong knowledge of creating mechanical drawings and applying GD&T.

• Demonstrated experience in creating and managing Mechanical Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and other mechanical documentation.

• Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes including precision machining, 3D printing, structural welding, and rapid prototyping.

• Experience in design of mechanical mechanisms, deployable, and dynamic assemblies for harsh environments.

• Familiarity with design validation tools such as DFMEA and structural analysis.

• Hands on experience with machining and fabrication tools, including CNC mills and general workshop equipment.

• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills, able to adapt in a rapidly evolving technical environment.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with proven leadership experience in interdisciplinary teams.

• Self-motivated, organised individual with a track record of delivering high quality outcomes in time sensitive projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in space, aerospace, or robotics hardware development.

• Hands
  on experience in assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) environments.

• Exposure to FEA tools such as ANSYS or similar.

• Experience in engineering teams within the R&D or startup sectors.

• Familiarity with industry standards for mechanical design, environmental qualification, and system integration.

Lunar Outpost Oceania is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, veteran status). We want all employees (including executives and HR) to treat others with respect and professionalism.