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Principal Mechanical Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA, USA
USD 175k-200k / year
Posted on Jul 8, 2025

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Sr. Product Director, GNC Sensor Modules the Principal Mechanical Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary team to develop and support the design, prototype, qualification and sustainment of innovative components and modules for various spacecraft.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Use MATLAB to analyze stability and performance of motor rotor dynamics.
  • Perform tuning on actuator control systems based on analysis and test results.
  • Develop preliminary designs grounded in sound engineering reasoning.
  • Create and/or lead a team through detailed design, requires a strong understanding of GD&T and various manufacturing methods.
  • Perform and/or lead team through structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis, with a strong understanding of design principles to improve analysis results.
  • Conduct final review on mechanical and electrical drawings.
  • Test actuators at module and satellite level to validate and characterize design intent and requirements.
  • Propose and develop new analytical methods and processes for improving module design performance predictability.
  • Identify and Lead Process Development and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
  • Provide technical guidance and direction to the engineering and project team.
  • Represent the company as the Subject Matter Expert in area of technical expertise.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
  • Minimum of 12 years of experience in Aerospace and Defense product development.
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD packages.
  • Proficiency with bearing analysis software (ORBIS or equivalent).
  • Proficiency with FEA analysis.
  • Advanced knowledge with the design of complex, high precision rotating mechanisms.
  • Deep knowledge of rotor dynamics design and analysis.
  • Proven ability as a leader to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with Engineering Review Boards and Root Cause Corrective Actions.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance.

Additional Differentiators

  • Proficient working with EPDM or other PDM software.
  • Proficient in the use of shop tools, assembly techniques, inspection methods and equipment.
  • Experience with Altium or similar electrical design software.
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

Salary Range $175,000-$200,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant 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. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.