Senior Mechanisms Engineer – Gimbal Development for Laser Communications

About the role

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking a Senior Mechanisms Engineer to lead the development of gimbal mechanisms for its laser‑communications payloads. The role covers the full lifecycle from concept through flight qualification, working closely with optical, laser, controls and systems teams to deliver high‑reliability space hardware.

Key responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end development of precision gimbal assemblies, including bearings, flexures, motors, encoders and structural members.
• Perform mechanism‑level analysis such as kinematics, stiffness, backlash, torque margin, thermal expansion and bearing‑life modeling.
• Define performance requirements and interface specifications in coordination with optical and controls engineers.
• Specify, procure and qualify precision components, managing supplier relationships and acceptance testing.
• Develop and execute integration, verification and qualification test plans (functional, life, vibration, shock, thermal‑vacuum).
• Create and maintain mechanism drawings, GD&T specifications, assembly procedures and test reports.
• Support mechanism characterization and closed‑loop performance validation with controls engineers.

Required profile

• Proven experience developing precision flight mechanisms for high‑reliability space systems.
• Hands‑on expertise in managing performance budgets and qualifying hardware for space environments.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional team.

Required skills

• Mechanical design and analysis (kinematics, stiffness, backlash, torque margin).
• Thermal expansion and bearing‑life modeling.
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Vibration, shock and thermal‑vacuum testing.
• Precision component procurement and supplier management.