Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Company Overview

ExoTerra is a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems and space exploration satellites. The company develops Hall Thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites and launch vehicle upper stages. We have been awarded multiple propulsion module and satellite contracts.

Position Summary

The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading ExoTerra's Mechanical Design organization, encompassing spacecraft structures, propulsion system hardware, mechanisms, and mechanical integration. This senior leadership position is accountable for achieving key company projects and goals, managing a large team, and ensuring the design quality and manufacturability of all mechanical hardware across propulsion and spacecraft programs.

You will establish company-level mechanical design objectives and policies, manage department budget and resources, oversee technical execution across all programs, and represent ExoTerra's mechanical design capabilities to customers and executive leadership. Your leadership will drive organizational development, process improvement, and strategic growth of the Mechanical Design function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Mechanical Design Engineering department, including structures, mechanisms, and propulsion hardware design teams.

• Set department objectives aligned with company goals; develop and execute strategic plans for the Mechanical Design organization.

• Manage department budget, resource allocation, and capacity planning across all programs.

• Hire, develop, and retain top mechanical design talent; conduct performance reviews and support career development.

• Establish mechanical design standards, processes, and best practices to ensure technical consistency and quality.

• Oversee technical execution of mechanical designs across all propulsion and spacecraft programs.

• Ensure mechanical designs meet performance, reliability, mass, and cost targets.

• Represent the Mechanical Design organization at executive leadership meetings and in company-wide planning.

• Present mechanical design status, risks, and results to customers at major program reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR).

• Coordinate with Program Management to ensure mechanical schedules and deliverables meet program milestones.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, CAD/PLM tool development, and automation to increase team efficiency.

• Support proposal efforts including technical approach, staffing plans, cost estimates, and schedule development.

• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on technical excellence and innovation.

• Manage relationships with external design consultants, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

• 15+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, spacecraft, or high-reliability systems.

• 5+ years of experience managing engineering teams, including hiring, performance management, and development.

• Demonstrated success leading mechanical design organizations and delivering results on complex aerospace programs.

• Strong technical foundation in spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and/or propulsion system hardware.

• Experience managing department budgets and resource allocation.

• Proven ability to work with executive leadership and represent technical organizations to customers.

• Experience with propulsion systems, spacecraft, or high-reliability aerospace hardware.

• Familiarity with NASA, DoD, MIL-STD, and commercial spaceflight requirements.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Candidates must comply with U.S. export control and ITAR requirements (U.S. person status required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

• Experience managing teams of 10+ engineers.

• Background in electric propulsion systems (Hall thrusters, ion engines, propulsion modules).

• Experience with CAD/PLM tool implementation and process standardization.

• Track record of building and scaling engineering organizations.

• Experience supporting business development and capture activities.

• Recognition as a technical leader within the aerospace industry.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office and lab environments

• 8 hour shift, Monday to Friday, Full time

• Some overtime may be needed to meet program deadlines

• Occasional travel may be required for customer meetings and reviews

Export Control / Compliance Requirements

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary range: $110,000.00 - $189,000.00 (dependent on experience and qualifications)

ExoTerra offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package and various other benefits. When you join our team, you’re not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.