Lead Mechanical Engineer – Satellite Structures & Space Systems

About Us: Join a team that is redefining the accessibility of space. Azista space is a transformative force in the global aerospace sector, uniquely positioned at the intersection of indigenous innovation and industrial scalability. Operating India’s first private-sector satellite mass-production facility in Ahmedabad, we have bridged the gap between complex engineering and high-volume manufacturing. As a vertically integrated leader, we provide end-to-end solutions from the precision design of satellite buses and advanced payloads to mission management and communication systems. We don’t just build hardware, we are democratizing the final frontier by providing global clientele with the cost-effective, high-performance technology needed to power the next generation of orbital missions. At Azista, you won't just be starting a job, you’ll be fuelling the future of space exploration. You will own the full firmware lifecycle for space-grade subsystems from architecture through qualification and in-orbit commissioning. Working at the intersection of embedded software and spacecraft systems, you will set technical standards, drive ECSS-compliant development practices, and mentor a team of firmware engineers building the next generation of low-earth-orbit satellites. About the Role: Azista Space is building the future of accessible space technology through India’s first private-sector satellite mass-production ecosystem. As the Lead Mechanical Engineer – Satellite Structures & Space Systems, you will play a mission-critical role in designing and qualifying next-generation low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite platforms. You will own the end-to-end mechanical architecture of spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and deployable systems — from concept development through launch qualification and in-orbit deployment. This is a high-impact opportunity to work at the forefront of aerospace innovation, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver flight-ready systems built for reliability, manufacturability, and space survivability. If you are passionate about spacecraft structural engineering, launch environments, advanced FEA, and building scalable aerospace systems, this role offers exceptional technical ownership and long-term growth in one of India’s fastest-growing space technology companies. Roles & Responsibilities: - Lead the mechanical design and development of satellite bus structures, payload enclosures, chassis, panels, brackets, and deployable systems - Drive end-to-end spacecraft structural architecture from concept design through qualification and launch readiness - Develop high-precision 3D CAD models and production drawings using CATIA V5, SolidWorks, and GD&T best practices - Execute advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using ANSYS Mechanical and NASTRAN for static, modal, random vibration, frequency response, and shock loads - Define and manage spacecraft structural qualification campaigns aligned with ECSS, GEVS, and GSFC standards - Plan, support, and review environmental testing including vibration, acoustic, shock, sine-burst, and thermal-mechanical qualification activities - Own spacecraft mass budget tracking and drive structural optimization initiatives without compromising mission reliability - Design and qualify critical spacecraft mechanisms including HDRMs, hinges, deployment systems, antenna pointing systems, and solar array drive assemblies - Collaborate closely with Thermal, Avionics, Integration, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering teams to ensure subsystem compatibility and mission success - Create and review mechanical ICDs, assembly procedures, manufacturing documentation, and structural verification reports - Lead Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) activities with internal manufacturing teams and external aerospace suppliers - Participate in technical reviews including PDR, CDR, qualification reviews, and customer/agency design audits - Mentor and guide junior mechanical engineers while helping establish scalable aerospace engineering processes and standards Required Qualifications & Skills: Education - B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline - M.Tech / Master’s specialization in Structural or Aerospace Engineering preferred Experience - 8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical engineering, spacecraft structural design, or flight hardware development - Proven experience delivering mechanical systems for satellite, rocket, UAV, or aerospace programs - Hands-on involvement in spacecraft environmental qualification and structural verification activities - Experience working with launch vehicle interfaces such as ISRO PSLV/SSLV or equivalent systems preferred Technical Skills - Expert-level proficiency in CATIA V5, SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD platforms - Strong expertise in FEA tools including ANSYS Mechanical, NASTRAN, and Patran pre/post-processing - Deep understanding of spacecraft structural design methodologies, launch environments, and space qualification workflows - Strong knowledge of ECSS-E-ST-32, GEVS, GSFC, and aerospace structural verification standards - Expertise in GD&T, tolerance analysis, and engineering drawing standards (ISO 1101 / ASME Y14.5) - Familiarity with aerospace-grade materials including Al-7075, CFRP composites, Ti-6Al-4V, and Invar - Experience with PDM/PLM systems, EBOM management, and aerospace manufacturing workflows - Knowledge of fastener locking mechanisms, torque specifications, and spacecraft deployment systems Soft Skills - Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and technical decision-making capabilities - Excellent technical documentation and engineering review skills - Ability to manage multiple high-priority aerospace deliverables in fast-paced R&D environments - Collaborative mindset with strong cross-functional communication abilities - Passion for innovation, space technology, and building scalable aerospace systems Preferred Qualifications (Optional) - Prior experience with LEO satellites, CubeSats, or spacecraft platform development - Exposure to satellite mass-production or high-volume aerospace manufacturing environments - Experience supporting launch campaigns, spacecraft integration, or on-orbit deployment validation - Knowledge of thermal-mechanical integration and conductive path optimization for spacecraft systems - Experience working with aerospace composites, precision fabrication, or machine shop environments - Certifications or advanced specialization in structural analysis, aerospace systems engineering, or mechanical design optimization