What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Design Engineer position at Approach Venture?
Mechanical Engineer – Help Build Autonomous Space Structures from the Ground Up!
Golden, CO | On-Site
Opportunity Summary
A rapidly growing, venture-backed space hardware startup is developing breakthrough robotic and mechanical systems that enable large-scale structures to be assembled directly in orbit. The team is tackling complex challenges at the intersection of robotics, deployable mechanisms, and spacecraft-grade structures to unlock a new generation of space infrastructure. With early customer traction and an ambitious technical roadmap, the company is moving quickly from prototype to flight-ready systems. This role is ideal for a Mechanical Engineer who enjoys full ownership of hardware development, from early concepts through detailed design, prototyping, testing, and qualification. You will play a critical role in shaping mechanical architectures for moving systems, structural assemblies, and space-rated hardware while working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment.
About Us
We are an early-stage, venture-backed space company focused on advancing autonomous structures. By combining robotics, modular mechanical systems, and innovative structural designs, our team is building platforms that expand what is possible beyond traditional spacecraft manufacturing approaches. With a strong technical culture and hands-on development model, we are creating the foundation for scalable orbital infrastructure.
Job Duties
$100,000 - $130,000
Golden, CO | On-Site
Opportunity Summary
A rapidly growing, venture-backed space hardware startup is developing breakthrough robotic and mechanical systems that enable large-scale structures to be assembled directly in orbit. The team is tackling complex challenges at the intersection of robotics, deployable mechanisms, and spacecraft-grade structures to unlock a new generation of space infrastructure. With early customer traction and an ambitious technical roadmap, the company is moving quickly from prototype to flight-ready systems. This role is ideal for a Mechanical Engineer who enjoys full ownership of hardware development, from early concepts through detailed design, prototyping, testing, and qualification. You will play a critical role in shaping mechanical architectures for moving systems, structural assemblies, and space-rated hardware while working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment.
About Us
We are an early-stage, venture-backed space company focused on advancing autonomous structures. By combining robotics, modular mechanical systems, and innovative structural designs, our team is building platforms that expand what is possible beyond traditional spacecraft manufacturing approaches. With a strong technical culture and hands-on development model, we are creating the foundation for scalable orbital infrastructure.
Job Duties
- Develop mechanical designs for robotic assemblies, deployable systems, and structural spacecraft hardware
- Create detailed CAD models and production-ready designs using Siemens NX
- Design mechanisms including linkages, actuators, interfaces, and structural components optimized for space environments
- Build and test prototypes, supporting rapid iteration and performance validation
- Partner with systems, robotics, and controls engineers to integrate mechanical subsystems into full platforms
- Produce drawings, tolerancing packages, and manufacturing documentation
- Support vibration, environmental, and structural testing activities
- Conduct design trades focused on mass efficiency, strength, reliability, and producibility
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (advanced degree a plus)
- 2 years of experience designing mechanical hardware for aerospace, robotics, or complex mechanical systems
- Strong experience using Siemens NX for mechanical design and assemblies
- Proven ability to design moving mechanisms and structural components
- Experience working in high-reliability or mission-critical hardware environments
- Hands-on background in prototyping, hardware integration, and testing
- Solid understanding of materials, structural design, and mechanical interfaces
- Work on deployable systems, robotic mechanisms, articulated assemblies, or space hardware
- Exposure to vibration testing, thermal testing, vacuum testing, or structural validation
- Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing methods or qualification processes
- Experience in startup, R&D lab, or fast-iteration engineering environments
- Direct ownership over core mechanical systems and product architecture
- Opportunity to build first-of-its-kind space hardware from concept to flight
- High-impact role within a small, technical founding team
- Rapid learning and growth in a fast-moving startup environment
- Chance to shape next-generation space infrastructure technologies
$100,000 - $130,000
Salary : $100,000 - $130,000