Lead Spacecraft Designer

Job Purpose and Primary Objectives:

Benchmark Space Systems is looking for an experienced Lead Spacecraft Designer to join our team. We’re developing a High Energy Logistics Stage (HELS) designed to move payloads quickly and efficiently between orbits. This role owns the physical design of the spacecraft: the tanks, structures, mechanisms, and interfaces that make it real. From CAD model to launch, in this role you would be responsible for turning our system architecture into a manufacturable, testable, and flightworthy spacecraft.

This is a hands-on role for a mechanical engineer who thrives in SolidWorks, sweats the details, and takes pride in clean, buildable designs. This role works closely in collaboration with propulsion, avionics, and systems leads to design the vehicle from the ground up, integrating lessons learned from flight heritage into a new class of spacecraft built for responsiveness and reliability.

This is an on-site role at our Burlington, Vermont or Pleasanton, CA locations.

About Benchmark:

At Benchmark Space Systems, we’re pioneering the future of in-space mobility. Our propulsion technologies provide satellites the ability to maneuver, avoid collisions, and maximize mission potential—all while contributing to a safer, more sustainable space environment.
Backed by recent funding and a growing slate of new flight contracts for government and commercial customers, we’re building a workplace where bold ideas and passionate people thrive. Engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers at Benchmark tackle some of the toughest challenges in spaceflight, working together to turn cutting-edge concepts into real-world solutions. If you're ready to help shape the next era of spaceflight, there's never been a better time to join Benchmark Space Systems.

Measurements of Success/Primary Job Responsibilities:

At its core, Benchmark is an entrepreneurial, fast paced organization. In this environment, we need all employees to solve problems, not be afraid to ask questions and be able to work with and help colleagues in different departments and positions by digging in and working on other tasks as needed/assigned depending on business needs. With that said, there are primary job responsibilities and measurements of success for this position, which are:

• Own the end-to-end mechanical design of the HELS spacecraft through CDR.
• Develop detailed CAD models, assemblies, and drawings in SolidWorks (primary CAD environment).
• Lead layout and packaging of tanks, propulsion, avionics, and payload interfaces.
• Oversee structural and thermal analysis (hand-calcs, FEA, and thermal trade tools).
• Create and maintain mechanical interface control documents (ICDs) and mass properties tracking.
• Collaborate with propulsion and avionics leads to ensure manufacturability and integration efficiency.
• Define materials, fasteners, and fabrication methods suitable for launch and space environments.
• Support structural test planning, coupon and subassembly test campaigns.
• Work closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to transition designs into hardware.
• Participate in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and provide documentation and drawings for verification.
• At all times, maintain Benchmark’s outstanding reputation for operating at the highest levels of honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Education and/or Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineer or closely related field of study.
• 7+ years of experience designing and integrating spacecraft or flight hardware.
• Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks (assemblies, drawings, configurations, simulation).
• U.S. Person Required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

What you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:

• Direct design experience on at least one spacecraft that has flown (LEO–GEO preferred).
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision assembly practices.
• Experience with lightweight structures, propulsion interfaces, and thermal management.
• Understanding of launch vehicle environments (vibration, loads, acoustic, thermal).
• Strong ability to work across disciplines — comfortable discussing design trades with propulsion, avionics, and systems teams.
• Excellent documentation skills and attention to detail.

What makes you stand out:

• Experience with metallic and composite space structures.
• Background in small satellite or OTV design.
• Familiarity with FEA tools (ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, NASTRAN, etc.)
• Prior startup or rapid-development environment experience.

Benefits:

• Health insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).
• Vision and dental insurance.
• Company paid life, AD&D, and disability insurances.
• Employee assistance program.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible schedule.
• Unlimited vacation.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

While performing duties of this job, the employee is primarily work in office or lab environments, spending extended periods at a computer designing, coding, and testing systems. The role may occasionally require standing or working around aircraft or test equipment, following strict safety and security protocols. The employee must possess the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.