Contractor - Mechanical Engineer (willing to consider all levels)

Redwire Space
$67.00 - $125.00 / hr
United States, Colorado, Littleton
Sep 23, 2025
Where dreams and reality collide and the output is, out of this world. At Redwire Space, we are a team of dreamers and doers. Where the impossible becomes possible, and every day is an opportunity to learn and get one step closer to knowing the unknown. Join us on our mission to expand humanity's presence in space. Oakman, LLC, a Redwire Space business unit, has an opportunity for a highly experienced Contractor - Mechanical Engineer (willing to consider all levels) for up to 6 months. In this role you will help guide other Mechanical Engineers that support design, FEM/FEA, development, fabrication, and testing of multiple space vehicles and subsystems. You will assist with and support proposals for new spacecraft designs and development of sub-assemblies that comply with diverse launch and mission requirements. Work in this group includes include system-level architecture definition for compliance with mission requirements including a wide variety of operational dynamics and orbital environments. The successful candidate will provide guidance and expertise in Mechanical Engineering to design complex mechanical equipment and systems across the Space Missions business unit. Applying to the position would benefit from having past full product life-cycle experience. A candidate applying would also benefit from having experience working with an integrated product team in designing electromechanical devices as well as electronic packaging of electronics with attention to thermal control, radiation shielding, and EMI/EMC shielding. This position will be considered on site and based at one of the following locations: San Jose, CA, Littleton, CO, or Jacksonville, FL. The successful candidate must be within a commutable distance to one of these locations. Roles and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Provide propulsion subsystem technical expertise for cross functional, geographically dispersed teams, working on multiple executing programs and new business pursuits simultaneously. Lead technical baseline development for mechanical subsystems, including propulsion. Distill and communicate relevant technical content to customers and executive leadership. Assist program management in task scope development and resource identification. Provide mentorship to junior engineers. Perform technical risk assessment and mitigation for space-based mechanical and propulsion subsystems. Maintain and ensure application of design processes and guidelines used by the department. Develop proposal inputs and review proposal content for both internal and external customers. Lead or support department initiatives, recruiting, technology roadmap creation, cross-campus/sector involvement, and NCTA project leadership. Ideal Experience: Bachelor of Science Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline plus 8 or more years of engineering experience or Master of Science Degree in a STEM discipline plus 6 or more years of experience. Experience working in multi-disciplinary spacecraft development teams. Experience with mechanical design and analysis tools as well as production methods and systems. Working knowledge of spacecraft propulsion subsystems. Experience with GD&T and best methods for reducing risks in production quality and assembly processes. Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance Must be able to travel up to 20% Desired Skills: Active DoD TS clearance. Technical or Integrated Product Team (IPT) Team Leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform propulsion subsystem architectural trades. Demonstrated ability to develop a specification for a propulsion subsystem from high-level requirements flow down. Proficiency with industry modeling and simulation tools for analyzing propulsion subsystem performance. Ability to develop propulsion subsystem CAD models, drawings, and ICDs with structure, thermal, and avionics. Experience with propulsion subsystem integration and test (e.g., leak checks, functional verification). Experience coordinating with suppliers on propulsion hardware development and qualification. Excellent verbal, organizational, and written communication skills are required Able to work in a fast-paced environment where multiple projects are being developed and deployed simultaneously Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration! We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence. Don't meet every single requirement above? No worries. We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture, so if you're excited about this job posting, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Pay Range $67.00 - $125.00 per hour How We Determine What We Pay (Compensation Philosophy) Redwire determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for our locations throughout the US. We will evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index, in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant's level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and internal equity within the company for the same position. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay. Redwire is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Redwire is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. All offers of employment at Redwire are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and your ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US. Note that some positions will also require US citizenship or ability to obtain a security clearance due to requirements of a classified program. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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. Learn more about the ITAR Click Here