Space Mechanisms Engineer- Deployable Structures

Role: Space Mechanisms Engineer- Deployable Structures

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India (On-site)

Employment type: Full-time

Industry: Space Technology

About Catalyx Space:

Catalyx Space is building the world's best reentry systems. Our reusable ReX vehicles return payloads from orbit at unprecedented scale, up to 12 tons and 60m³ of cargo, while operating the full mission lifecycle from launch to recovery. Our core innovation is a Origami-inspired deployable heat shield that combines the scalability of an inflatable system with the robustness of a rigid structure. Built from commercial off-the-shelf components, it enables the world's widest heat shields, the largest payload return volumes, and a scalable pathway for returning everything from commercial cargo to future space nuclear assets.

Role:

As a Space Mechanisms Engineer – Deployable Structures at Catalyx Space, you will focus on the design, development, and testing of deployable structures for spacecraft and entry-system applications. You will also support the development of hold-down and release mechanisms that enable reliable deployment in space.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and develop deployable structures and associated mechanisms
• Develop and qualify hold-down and release mechanisms (HDRMs) for spacecraft subsystems
• Support mechanism test campaigns including vibration, thermal vacuum, and deployment testing
• Collaborate with avionics and systems teams for actuator and sensor integration
• Deliver tested, flight-ready deployable hardware

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 2–5 years of experience in spacecraft deployable structures and mechanisms
• Hands-on experience with mechanism design, hinges, latches, and HDRMs
• Strong expertise in GD&T (ASME Y14.5), DFM, and design for additive manufacturing
• Experience with SolidWorks layout design, linkage design, or equivalent mechanism-design tools
• Strong understanding of tolerance stack-up analysis
• Experience modelling complex joints in deployable or flexible structures
• Proven experience with vibration testing and analysis of mechanisms
• Expertise in creating CMM probing-area descriptions for inspection and validation
• Experience with coatings, plating, and other surface-treatment processes
• Strong experience with ANSYS or similar CAE tools for structural, modal, and thermal analysis
• Exposure to testing and validation of deployable structures

Nice to have:

• Familiarity with complex spacecraft deployable structures
• Proven ability to deliver flight-ready or flight-qualified hardware
• Background in algorithmic or generative design for mechanisms
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, test-driven environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Flexibility to support extended hours or weekend work during critical integration or test phases

Compensation & benefits:

• Competitive salary (details will be shared with shortlisted candidates),
• health insurance
• Provident fund.

How to apply:

Apply via Zoho Recruit: https://catalyxspace.zohorecruit.in/jobs/Careers/193193000000342425/Space-Mechanisms-Engineer--Deployable-Structuressource=CareerSite

We only contact candidates from @catalyx.space emails. No fees are required at any stage of our hiring process.

Equal Opportunity: Catalyx Space is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any protected characteristic.