Mechanical Design Engineer (CAD and FEA)

About Orbitt Space

Orbitt Space is pioneering satellite platforms for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), operating at altitudes of 180250 km. Our propulsion-first architecture enables sharper imagery, ultra-low latency communication, reduced launch costs, and natural debris mitigation.

We are building next-generation space infrastructure powered by proprietary Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) systems from our headquarters in Ahmedabad, India.

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Design Engineer (CAD, Structures & FEA) to design and validate lightweight aerospace structures for extreme VLEO environments.

You will be responsible for structural modeling, analysis, and design validation across the full development lifecycle from concept development and detailed CAD modeling to simulation, testing support, and qualification. This role demands strong analytical fundamentals, practical engineering judgment, and the ability to translate simulation results into flight-ready hardware.

Qualification Requirements

• B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum 4-5 years of experience designing mechanical structures and performing FEA analysis

Key Responsibilities

• Develop 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings.
• Create high-fidelity FE models including contacts, bolted joints, and complex boundary conditions.
• Perform static, thermal, thermo-structural, and coupled temperature-displacement analyses.
• Conduct modal, harmonic, random vibration, and shock simulations.
• Evaluate stress, deflection, buckling margins, and factors of safety.
• Validate FEM models using analytical calculations and load-path estimation.
• Support material selection based on structural and thermal requirements.
• Contribute to structural optimization for mass reduction and performance.
• Prepare structured technical reports and design recommendations.
• Support subsystem and system-level structural testing and validation.

Required Skills

• Strong foundation in:
• Engineering Mechanics and Solid Mechanics
• Thin-walled and lightweight structures
• Finite Element Method (FEM)
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks / CATIA / Creo or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Basic understanding of materials, material behavior (elastic, plastic, temperature-dependent properties), and fasteners.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on structural performance.
• Experience or strong academic exposure to FEA tools (Abaqus, ANSYS, Nastran, HyperMesh, Comsol, or equivalent).
• Ability to perform hand calculations to validate simulation results.
• Strong technical documentation and reporting skills.

Good to Have

• Experience in aerospace or high-reliability systems.
• Familiarity with launch load environments and qualification standards.
• Exposure to fatigue, fracture mechanics, and structural life prediction.
• Experience with thermo-elastic or multiphysics simulations.
• Knowledge of lightweight aerospace materials and composite structures.
• Ability to develop analysis scripts (Python, MATLAB, Fortran).
• Experience in hardware realization and integration support.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving approach
• Clear communication and documentation skills
• Research-oriented and hands-on mindset
• Team player with ability to work independently in a high-performance R&D setup

Why Join Orbitt Space?

• Work on frontier technologies Plasma thrusters, Advanced Power systems, and next-gen propulsion systems.
• R&D-focused role with direct technical ownership and innovation opportunities.
• Exposure to the space technology ecosystem direct contribution to flight hardware development.
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Fast career growth in a rapidly scaling deep-tech startup environment.
• Access to advanced lab infrastructure and cutting-edge test equipment.
• Collaborative and innovation-driven culture that values creativity and experimentation.
• Opportunities for publication, patents, and conference participation in collaboration with top research institutions.