Mechanical Engineer

Role details

Tendeg LLC is an engineering-driven company that designs and builds high-performance antenna systems and precision structures for space missions. Our work supports communications, sensing, and data delivery in demanding orbital environments, with applications ranging from weather forecasting and Earth science to global connectivity, national security, and scientific exploration.

Our hardware is flight-proven, with more than 25 antennas currently on orbit and a portfolio of deployable apertures that spans multiple sizes and frequency regimes. As we scale manufacturing to meet growing demand, we’re building a team focused on disciplined execution, technical rigor, and delivering hardware that works. If you’re interested in joining a growing team that designs and builds the infrastructure behind modern space missions, we’d like to hear from you.

Tendeg’s Philosophy

We encourage innovation and entrepreneurial energy. We are successful because we take a unique approach to solving problems. We look for creative thinkers and self-motivated people that can collaborate within our open team environment. TENDEG is an acronym for TENacious Design and Engineering Group. Obviously, tenacity is another trait we embrace.

About the role

The Mechanical Engineer will work with engineers to draft and design models for flight hardware and development plans for testing. This position is in the Advanced Materials and Applications (AMA) Group at Tendeg, LLC. As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be supporting internal research and development efforts in novel material and product development, testing, and qualification. The AMA team operates on the frontlines of product development, investigating the feasibility of new concepts and supporting integration with our highly demanding product lines. This position will work heavily with soft goods (textiles and fiber-based components) in spacecraft deployable structures.

What you'll do

• Create designs for high precision deployable spacecraft structures that leverage lightweight material solutions, interface with complex deployment mechanisms, and meet ambitious payload performance requirements.
• Sheperd product development through initial ideation, prototyping, qualification, and production.
• Develop, manage, and execute experimental campaigns, prototyping and development plans, and qualification testing plans in cross-discipline and cross-program collaborations.
• Collaborate with the AMA team as well as the design and analysis teams to meet project goals and deliverables.
• Work with rapidly evolving projects in a hands-on environment. Exercise the ability to quickly pivot and offer creative solutions to unforeseen challenges.
• Perform experiments to determine the fundamental properties and behaviors of novel materials in fight-like, operational conditions.
• Perform trade studies in support of new concept development or product improvement efforts.
• Develop new material processing procedures, product manufacturing procedures, and product qualification procedures.
• Create drawings of designs, including plans for implementation of hardware. Work with technicians in a detail-oriented environment to ensure successful integration.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What you'll need

• 5+ years of applicable experience.
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, or another related field. MS or PhD preferred.
• Mechanical engineering design skills applicable to high precision deployable spacecraft structures. Design work will deal primarily with the precision production of complex assemblies featuring soft goods, textiles, and fibrous components. Preferred CAD experience is Solidworks.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong experimental skills including test plan design and management, application of theory and fundamentals in practical and measurable environments, deep knowledge of metrology systems and test instrumentations, both hardware and software, and demonstrated talent for deduction- to draw conclusions from limited information. Experience testing spacecraft components in relevant environmental conditions is a plus.
• Strong analysis skills including free body diagram development, classical mechanics, closed form hand calculations, and finite element analysis.
• Knowledge of materials and fabrication methods, specifically aerospace materials (metallics, composites, adhesives, bonding) that are typical for precision structures and space missions. Experience developing novel composites formulations is a plus.
• Proven ability to work in fast paced, multidisciplinary team environments.
• Effective communication skills (oral, written, and presentation); comfortable working in a team environment; high energy and desire to learn.
• Experience with textiles or fiber arts is a strong plus. Sharing a portfolio of past projects is highly encouraged.

This is a full-time, exempt position based onsite in Louisville, CO, with a base salary range of $115,000–$145,000. Colorado law requires us to disclose the base compensation range for this role, which is determined based on the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. While the salary range provides an important part of the overall opportunity, there is so much more to what makes this role special.

At Tendeg, you’ll have the opportunity to take on meaningful and exciting challenges, work alongside a supportive and talented team, and be part of an amazing culture where people are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Benefits & Employee Experience

At Tendeg, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. As we continue to grow and evolve, we’re committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and excited to come to work each day. From meaningful benefits to a fun, welcoming environment, we invest in our team and the experience of being part of Tendeg.

Here’s what you can look forward to

• Generous Paid Time Off – Take the time you need to recharge, spend time with family, travel, or simply enjoy life outside of work.
• Paid Parental Leave – Support for life’s most important moments as you welcome a new addition to your family.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance – Comprehensive options to help support you and your family’s health and well-being.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Tax-advantaged options to help make eligible healthcare expenses more manageable.
• Traditional 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan – Plan for your future with our retirement savings program.
• Employer-Paid Short-Term Disability, Basic Life & AD&D Insurance – Added financial protection and peace of mind when you need it most.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits – Options including Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability coverage to help you customize your benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Resources and support for life’s personal and professional challenges.
• Tendeg SWAG – Show your Tendeg pride with company gear and swag.
• Dog-Friendly Workplace – Bring your four-legged family member along and enjoy a welcoming, pet-friendly environment.
• Free Company Parking – Convenient, complimentary parking for our employees.
• Fully Stocked Break Rooms – Grab a snack, drink, or a fresh espresso from our coffee machine while you take a break and connect with your teammates.

At Tendeg, it’s more than a job. It’s an opportunity to work alongside talented people, take on exciting challenges, build something meaningful, and be part of a growing company that values its employees. We’re proud of the culture we’re building—and we think you’ll enjoy being part of it.

"Must be a U.S. Person as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62."

Tendeg LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, national origin, veteran status and any other protected factor. Tendeg is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Stacy Narine at [email protected].