Mechanical Engineer/Designer, Flight

Your Mission

As our Flight Mechanical Designer, you will create detailed 3D CAD models and fabrication drawings that bring our rocket’s flight hardware to reality. From internal frames and load-bearing mounts to smaller in-vehicle structures, you will ensure that every mechanical assembly is efficiently designed for minimal mass, easy integration, and robust flight performance. Your designs, in close collaboration with structures and propulsion engineers, will form the backbone of our rocket’s success.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Own Flight Part Designs: Develop 3D CAD models of primary and secondary flight hardware (fuselage sections, internal support frames, engine mounting brackets, interfacing hardware, avionics housing, etc.), while working closely with other engineering teams
• Optimize for Weight and Structural Integrity: perform calculations and FEA, and collaborate with the Structures Engineer on more advanced analysis to confirm that your designs meet load, stress and mass requirements
• Collaborate: Work closely with propulsion and avionics teams to ensure that interfaces (bolting patterns, harness pass-throughs, etc.) meet system-level requirements
• Coordinate with Manufacturing: Lead design reviews with internal teams and vendors to ensure designs are DFM/DFA compliant
• Produce Clear Drawings: Deliver BOMs and detailed component and assembly drawings that follow GD&T standards, ensuring vendors and in-house teams have unambiguous references
• Maintain CAD Data: Keep part libraries, revision histories, and BOMs up to date so the entire engineering team has a single source of truth.

What You Bring to the Team

• 5 years of experience in mechanical design for high-performance systems preferably in the aerospace industry
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (preferably NX) and mastery of GD&T principles
• Awareness of lightweight design best practices (material selection and geometric optimization)
• Proficient in applying DFM and DFA methodologies, with practical knowledge of various fabrication techniques including welding, machining, and additive processes
• Familiarity with PLM systems (Preferably Teamcenter) and advanced configuration management processes for large assembly designs
• Organized approach to design file management, familiar with BOM creation, revision control, and collaborative CAD environments

Bonus Points

• Experience with composites or cryogenic designs for rocket flight hardware
• Some background in FEA and hand calculations to quickly sanity-check designs

Compensation

Salary Range: $75,000 - $105,000

​

The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs. In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Equity Program: As an early team member, LEAP’s equity plan gives you a stake in the company’s success, aligning your contributions with long-term growth.
• ​Retirement Planning: Save for the future with a 401(k) plan that includes competitive company matching.
• Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of a professional development stipend to advance your skills and expertise.
• Flexible Time Off: Enjoy PTO as needed and holiday breaks to help you balance work and life, including two week long company winter breaks and paid leave to support a family member, bond with a new child, or manage your own health needs
• Remote Work Flexibility: Our team operates on a hybrid model. We expect you to work with your team for specific details on work location.
• Health Benefits: LEAP provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at minimal to no cost for employees. Coverage for dependents and HSA are also available.
• Insurance Coverage: We cover basic life and long-term disability insurance, with options to add extra coverage to ensure peace of mind for you and your family.

​LEAP is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in Colorado. Our team brings together exceptionally talented and diverse individuals who are pushing the boundaries of space access and logistics. We welcome all qualified applicants and provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. This includes individuals with a criminal history, in compliance with applicable regulations. We actively encourage applications from minorities, women, Veterans, and people with disabilities. At LEAP, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment throughout the hiring process. If you’re excited about making a real-world impact in space technology, we want to hear from you!