Head of Structures & Mechanisms

Position: Head of Structures & Mechanisms 

Location: Denver, CO

Position Type: Full-time

Mission: High Frontier – Own the Structural Integrity and Mechanisms of a Mission-Ready Spacecraft

At Karman+, we’re a space startup with a bold mission to push the boundaries of in-space capabilities. For our High Frontier mission, we’re building a spacecraft loaded with mechanisms and robotic systems—from robotic arms to solar array drive assemblies (SADA) and gimbals. If you’re a highly skilled mechanical engineer with expertise in space-rated mechanisms and structures, this role offers the chance to take direct ownership of critical spacecraft subsystems and drive them from design to deployment.

What it takes to be successful in this role:

As the Head of Structures and Mechanisms, you’ll own the development, integration, and performance of all spacecraft structural components and mechanisms. You’ll ensure that the spacecraft is built to withstand launch loads, thermal stresses, and operational challenges while deploying mechanisms that work flawlessly in space. This is a high-impact role that balances technical depth with subsystem leadership..

This role requires both technical depth and leadership skills. You’ll need to make high-stakes technical decisions, coordinate across teams, and oversee system-level testing to ensure the spacecraft’s structures and mechanisms are mission-ready. If you thrive on complex engineering challenges and are excited to lead a team at the forefront of space technology, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the design and analysis of primary and secondary spacecraft structures to ensure they meet mission requirements for strength, stiffness, and weight.
• Oversee the development of spacecraft mechanisms, such as gimbals, robotic arms, and solar array drive assemblies (SADAs). Ensure flawless functionality during deployment and operation.
• Own all phases of the structures and mechanisms lifecycle—from initial concepts and modeling to detailed analysis, manufacturing, testing, and in-space performance.
• Develop and execute structural and mechanisms test plans, including load testing, vibration testing, and functional verification for deployment systems.
• Work closely with propulsion, thermal, avionics, flight software and systems teams to ensure structural and mechanical subsystems integrate seamlessly into the spacecraft.
• Manage suppliers for structural materials and mechanism components, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of mechanical and mechanisms engineers. Set technical direction, manage priorities, and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Identify risks in structural and mechanical subsystems, including material fatigue or deployment failures, and implement mitigation plans. Own the final subsystem readiness checks before key milestones.

What You Bring

• Deep experience in structural or mechanical or robotic engineering, ideally for spacecraft or aerospace applications.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and mentoring teams, with a proven track record of leading others and fostering collaboration alongside technical management expertise.
• Expertise in structural analysis, load calculations, actuator design, and the unique challenges of space-rated systems.
• Hands-on problem-solving skills with proficiency in tools like CAD, FEA, and structural testing methodologies.
• Proven track record of delivering critical structural and mechanical hardware for aerospace applications.
• Clear communication skills to coordinate across teams and present technical updates to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Advanced experience in structural or mechanical or robotic engineering, ideally for spacecraft or aerospace applications.
• BS or MS in engineering, aerospace engineering, or related technical field. 
• Previous experience leading a cross-functional team within the aerospace industry. 

Additional Information

We Offer

Our cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $170,000.00 - $200,000.00 annually in this location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amount listed above.

Top Benefits & Perks

As a member of the Karman+ team, you’ll enjoy an impressive benefits package:

• Equity Incentives - Participate in our shared success.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans for top tier plans with additional buy-up plan options. 
• Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability covered by Karman+
• Basic Life Insurance covered by Karman+
• 401k plan
• Unlimited Paid Time Off - We focus on what you get done, not how many hours or days you work.

Location & Work Environment

This position is full-time in-person at our offices & lab in Denver, CO. If you reside in locations outside of daily commuting distance you will be considered, however, no relocation or travel assistance will be provided by Karman+ for this position. This position operates in an office environment. This entails working inside in an office space wherein you may be provided with a public work station (cubicle) or private offices. In the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job, you will be required to view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.

Travel

Occasional travel to work site locations may be expected. Overnight stays may be required from time to time for training, seminars, conferences, meetings, events, or visits to onsite locations.

Disclaimer

This job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Karman+ reserves the right to change or assign additional duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice. 

Hiring Practices

Karman+ is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact hr@karmanplus.com.