Senior Mechanical Engineer

At Orbital Paradigm, we’re building autonomous space reentry capsules to enable routine, fast-return transport from orbit to Earth, supporting in-space manufacturing, science, and logistics.

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with at least 5 years of experience to work on the design, simulation, analysis, development, and testing of advanced space hardware, including re-entry vehicles and mission-critical mechanical subsystems.

The role involves taking ownership of complex design tasks, from requirements definition through detailed design, analysis, prototyping, and environmental testing.

Please notice this is a position mainly aimed at engineers with structural simulation and analysis expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• In charge of structural design, simulation and verification activities for aerospace structures and components
• Perform FEA (Finite Element Analysis) for stress, vibration, fatigue, and thermal loads.
• Support concept development through to detailed design, testing, up to AIT and qualification
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (aerodynamics, propulsion, systems, manufacturing).
• Document engineering analyses, assumptions, and results for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Contribute actively to design reviews and help establish engineering best practices.
• Adapt to evolving requirements and fast-paced iterations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering or similar (PhD a plus).
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical/structural engineering.
• Strong expertise in structural simulation (FEA/CAE), including static, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue analysis.
• Solid understanding of aerospace materials and environmental testing ( Shock, Vibrations and Thermo-mechanical)
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks).
• Strong problem-solving ability and analytical mindset.
• Good communication and documentation skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, automotive, or other high-performance industries
• Experience in a startup or small-company environment with fast design iterations.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes (machining, composites, additive manufacturing).
• Familiarity with systems engineering and project management.
• Track record of successful design from concept to flight-ready hardware.

Personal Attributes

• Startup mindset: proactive, resourceful, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Willingness to go beyond the job description and take ownership of outcomes.
• Team player with strong collaboration skills.
• Passionate about aerospace innovation and eager to contribute to the growth of the company.

What We Offer

• Location: Madrid, Spain
• Remote: Hybrid (2 days/week from home + 2 fully remote weeks/year)
• Be part of a fast-growing space startup with real responsibilities.
• 30 vacation days (23 flexible, +7 during holidays).
• Salary range indicatively between 40 and 55 KEUR/year depending on seniority and profile
• Company shares plan
• Opportunities to grow with the company.