The MissionSpace is the infrastructure layer for humanity’s next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires orbital logistics that are as accessible and reliable as commercial aviation. At Lux Aeterna, we’re building that future by developing the first fully reusable satellite platform built for reliable reentry, recovery, and rapid redeployment, transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce.The OpportunityWe are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead composites and thermal protection system (TPS) engineering on Lux Aeterna’s reentry vehicles. Our vehicle structure and TPS systems utilize state of the art composites, metallics, ablatives, and ceramic materials.You will be the team’s authority on composites: laminate and sandwich design, how the parts are made, how they fail, and how to get flight parts from a vendor that match the drawing. You will also be responsible for the vehicle’s TPS. If you have designed or built ablative or reusable TPS, we want that experience. If your background is composites and TPS is new to you, you will learn it on our vehicle and take responsibility for it.This is a mechanical engineering role. As a small team, we don’t have distinct design and analysis groups. This role is a mix between design, analysis, and build. You design composite and TPS hardware and write the processes that build it. This is a unique opportunity to:Be the composites expert and the TPS lead on a reusable reentry vehicle, from design through flight and refurbishmentBuild Lux Aeterna’s composites and TPS process specifications, material data, and test history early in the company’s lifeWork hands-on with flight hardware, in our shop and at our vendorsWork with the mechanical, aerothermal, and thermal engineers and with technical leadership on the decisions that shape the vehicleWhy Lux Aeterna?Pioneering Technology: We’re developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, fundamentally transforming space from a one-way journey to a two-way highwayReal Impact: Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research,



and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructureSpeed & Autonomy: We maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standardsWorld-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity’s access to spaceThe RoleYou’ll lead composites and TPS engineering on the vehicle, including:Designing composite structure and TPS: laminate and sandwich design, inserts, bonded joints, TPS layout, attachment, seams, and closeoutsProducing fabrication‑ready drawings and statements of work for composite parts and TPSWriting process specifications for layup and cure, structural adhesive bonding, TPS bonding, and nondestructive inspectionSelecting materials and building design allowables: coupon test plans, test vendors, and test resultsManaging TPS vendors, and supporting composite vendors, from quote through first article, including tooling, cure, inspection, and reworkSupporting build in our shop (layup, bonding, potting, TPS installation, and bakeout) with work instructions technicians can followQualifying materials for spaceflight: outgassing (ASTM E595), vacuum bakeout, and thermal and structural testingWorking with the aerothermal and thermal engineers on TPS sizing, material properties, and bondline temperature limitsLeading nonconformance investigations and root cause analysis on composite and bonded hardwareDefining how composite structure and TPS are inspected, repaired, and refurbished between flightsRequired QualificationsBS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or related)7+ years of experience designing and building composite hardware for aerospace or other high-performance applicationsHands-on experience with prepreg layup, autoclave and out-of-autoclave cure, honeycomb sandwich structure, inserts,



and secondary bondingExperience taking composite parts through a vendor to delivery: drawings, statements of work, tooling, first article, and nonconformance dispositionWorking knowledge of laminate analysis, composite failure modes, and coupon testing to ASTM standardsExperience with structural adhesives and surface preparation for bondingExperience using 3D CAD software to produce fabrication-ready designs (Siemens NX preferable, but not required)Clear written communication: specifications, work instructions, and test reports that technicians and vendors can work fromDemonstrated ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment with shifting prioritiesDesired ExperienceTPS design, installation, or test: ablative tiles, adaptable ceramic insulation, or high-temperature coatings, including bonding, gaps, and seam closeoutsHot structures and structures subject to reentry environments (reentry vehicle, capsule, or hypersonic hardware)Spaceflight materials qualification: outgassing (ASTM E595), vacuum bakeout, thermal cycling, and thermal vacuumHigh-temperature resin systems (cyanate ester, BMI) and high-modulus carbon fiberNondestructive inspection of composites and bonded joints (ultrasonic, tap test, thermography)Writing material and process specificationsEarly-stage startup experienceWe are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in-person collaboration. We are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it.Compensation & BenefitsThe anticipated base salary range for this position is $150k-$225k per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, skills, and job-related responsibilities.This position is also eligible for equity compensation, as applicable.Lux Aeterna offers a benefits package of medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and company holidays; and a 401(k) retirementplan.Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. To comply with U.S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” under 22 C.F.R. §120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access.#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Mechanical Engineer, Composites And Tps (Quinte West)
🏢 Lux Aeterna
📍 Quinte West