San Carlos, California, United States · On-site
$150k–$225k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Mechanical engineering, Electronics packaging, Thermal management, Structural analysis, CAD
San Carlos, California, United States · On-site
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Mechanical engineering, Opto-mechanical design, CAD, Structural analysis, Thermal modeling
United States · On-site
$160k–$180k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient, and continuous space-based solar energy. We are tackling humanity’s most complex engineering challenge with a …
Skills: Strategic HR partnership, Employee lifecycle management, HRIS management, Benefits administration, Employee engagement
United States · On-site
$220k–$272k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Structural analysis, Thermal analysis, Computational fluid dynamics, Technical leadership, Aerospace engineering
United States · On-site
$265k–$302k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Propulsion testing, Test stand design, Data acquisition systems, Rocket propulsion, Team leadership
San Carlos, California, United States · On-site
$150k–$200k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Board bring-up, System validation, Signal integrity, Power integrity, Hardware debugging
San Carlos, California, United States · On-site
$182k–$243k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: RF Engineering, Wireless Communication Systems, Antenna Design, Link Budget Analysis, COTS Modem Integration
San Carlos, California, United States · On-site
$170k–$235k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Firmware development, Embedded systems, C++, Python, FPGA
United States · On-site
$170k–$245k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Turbomachinery design, Hydrodynamic design, CFD, Meanline analysis, Throughflow analysis
United States · On-site
$130k–$180k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Rocket engine design, Injector development, Thermodynamics, Fluid dynamics, Structural mechanics
San Carlos, California, United States · On-site
$83k–$91k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Accounts payable, Invoice processing, Three-way matching, Procure-to-pay, Microsoft Excel
United States · On-site
$120k–$150k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Fluid system design, Propulsion systems, Thermal management, CAD, NX
United States · On-site
$95k–$130k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Loads analysis, Structural dynamics, Finite element modeling, Coupled loads analysis, Vibration analysis
United States · On-site
$157k–$206k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Flight termination systems, Avionics, GNC, Autonomous flight safety, RCC 319
United States · On-site
$150k–$180k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Mechanism Design, Structural Mechanics, Kinematics, FEA, CAD
United States · On-site
$150k–$180k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Mechanism Design, Kinematics, Structural Mechanics, FEA, CAD
United States · On-site
$150k–$180k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Mechanism Design, Structural Mechanics, Kinematics, CAD, FEA
San Carlos, California, United States · On-site
$167k–$214k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: Digital Signal Processing, C++, C, Embedded Systems, Python
United States · On-site
$140k–$205k/yr
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit comp…
Skills: In-Space Propulsion Design, Electric Propulsion, Chemical Propulsion, Satellite RCS, Systems Engineering
San Carlos, California, United States · On-site
$167k–$230k/yr
The Role We're looking for a Battery Engineer to own the design, development, integration, and qualification of our spacecraft battery systems. You'll be responsible for developing reliable, high-performance energy stora…
Skills: Battery Pack Design, Battery Management Systems (BMS), Lithium-ion Chemistry, SOC/SOH Estimation, Thermal Management
San Carlos, California, United States • On-site
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The Lead Mechanical Engineer will own the structural and thermal-mechanical design of space-based compute hardware from concept through production. They will lead a team of engineers to define technical direction, manage interfaces, and ensure hardware meets rigorous environmental qualification standards.
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and at least 5 years of experience in flight hardware development. Proficiency in 3D CAD, structural analysis, and experience with space-based electronics packaging are required.
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
The Payload Mechanical team is looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to act as the responsible engineer for the structural and thermal-mechanical design of our space-based compute hardware. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated expert with deep experience in high-reliability space systems, comfortable driving everything from packaging architecture and thermal trade studies to hands-on hardware integration and qualification. This role covers electronics packaging, chassis design, thermal management, and structural qualification for compute and power electronics operating in the harsh environment of Low Earth Orbit. You will lead a team of mechanical engineers and work closely with electrical, thermal, and spacecraft systems teams to deliver robust, high-performance compute flight hardware ready for orbit. Previous experience driving end-to-end mechanical development of electronics packaging or compute hardware for space or high-reliability applications in a fast-paced environment is required.
Own the mechanical architecture of space-based compute hardware, including chassis, PCB retention, connector interfaces, and thermal management, from concept through production
Perform system-level trade studies on packaging, mass, and thermal performance to optimize compute hardware architecture
Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers, setting technical direction, review standards, and execution pace
Define and own interfaces and technical budgets for compute and power electronics assemblies
Drive structural and thermal analysis efforts, working with analysts to validate designs against requirements
Develop and maintain mechanical drawings, GD&T specifications, and ICDs for internal manufacture and external vendors
Define and execute mechanical integration and test plans, including environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
Represent the mechanical team in design reviews and system-level discussions
Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, thermal, and spacecraft teams to ensure compatibility at all mechanical and thermal interfaces
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering for flight hardware in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics programs
Demonstrated experience as the technical lead or authority on the mechanical design of electronics enclosures or compute hardware for space or high-reliability applications
Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and engineering drawing/GD&T
Experience with structural analysis and thermal modeling tools
Experience taking flight hardware through environmental qualification (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum)
Strong understanding of thermal management approaches for high-power electronics in vacuum environments
Experience managing direct reports or leading a technical team
Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
8+ years of experience developing flight hardware for space or defense programs
Experience with conduction-cooled electronics packaging or cold plate design for space flight hardware
Experience with liquid cooling solutions for flight hardware
Familiarity with high-power compute or GPU hardware packaging and associated thermal constraints
Experience with radiation design considerations for electronics operating in LEO
Experience with deployable or articulating power or thermal structures
Hands-on experience with flight hardware integration and test in a lab or cleanroom environment
Prior experience as a technical lead or engineering manager on a flight program
The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $225,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement savings plan
Paid time off
10 paid holidays per calendar year
Paid parental leave
Relocation assistance if applicable
Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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 ITAR here.
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.
Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.
Building a power grid in outer space for artificial intelligence.
Cowboy Space Corporation is building a power grid in outer space for artificial intelligence. Using an integrated system of satellites and rockets, we will send high-performance compute and optical data transmission to Low Earth Orbit. Our constellation of satellites, Stampede, will harness abundant solar power to run on-orbit GPU data centers. With each launch, Stampede grows the power and compute capacity for humanity. Earth's energy grid can't run at the pace of AI. We can. AI is driving the largest infrastructure buildout in recent history, and the power grid on planet Earth can't keep pace. In major US markets, average grid connection lead times for new data centers can run 5-7 years or more. Meanwhile, AI demand is flat-out outgrowing Earth's pastures. Full-Stack Architecture: Traditional architecture treats the rocket as a workhorse and the satellite as freight. In our system, the rocket's upper stage is the satellite itself. It's a 1-megawatt data center with active thermal management and integrated compute, designed as one unified vehicle from the ground up. We trim the fat on redundant structure and avionics, dedicating every possible kilogram of compute to Low Earth Orbit. By owning our manufacturing and dedicated launch sites, we vertically integrate core technologies that enable deploying compute at scale. We’ve raised a $275M Series B at a $2B valuation led by Index Ventures, with participation from new investors IVP, Blossom Capital, and SAIC, alongside existing investors Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Construct Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, Interlagos and Baiju Bhatt.
Offices: San Carlos, California, US
Building a power grid in outer space for artificial intelligence.
Cowboy Space Corporation is building a power grid in outer space for artificial intelligence. Using an integrated system of satellites and rockets, we will send high-performance compute and optical data transmission to Low Earth Orbit. Our constellation of satellites, Stampede, will harness abundant solar power to run on-orbit GPU data centers. With each launch, Stampede grows the power and compute capacity for humanity. Earth's energy grid can't run at the pace of AI. We can. AI is driving the largest infrastructure buildout in recent history, and the power grid on planet Earth can't keep pace. In major US markets, average grid connection lead times for new data centers can run 5-7 years or more. Meanwhile, AI demand is flat-out outgrowing Earth's pastures. Full-Stack Architecture: Traditional architecture treats the rocket as a workhorse and the satellite as freight. In our system, the rocket's upper stage is the satellite itself. It's a 1-megawatt data center with active thermal management and integrated compute, designed as one unified vehicle from the ground up. We trim the fat on redundant structure and avionics, dedicating every possible kilogram of compute to Low Earth Orbit. By owning our manufacturing and dedicated launch sites, we vertically integrate core technologies that enable deploying compute at scale. We’ve raised a $275M Series B at a $2B valuation led by Index Ventures, with participation from new investors IVP, Blossom Capital, and SAIC, alongside existing investors Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Construct Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, Interlagos and Baiju Bhatt.
Offices: San Carlos, California, US
