Payload Manufacturing Engineer

At Interstellar Lab, our mission is to build a future full of life, on Earth and beyond. We believe in a future where technology enables humans to live in harmony with nature, where biodiversity thrives and expands, and where terrestrial life becomes multi-planetary. To build this future, we design, manufacture, and operate controlled-environment biofarms that unleash the power of plants. Our solutions combine Hardware, AI, and Bioscience. We use controlled-environment technology to mimic a multitude of conditions to allow plants, fungi, and microorganisms to grow faster and better. On Earth, we are pioneering molecular and bio-farming, boosting the production of nutrients, metabolites, and bioactive compounds in plants while providing a sustainable and safe source of plant materials. Our customers include large beauty, perfume, natural ingredients, food & beverage, and nutraceuticals companies. To advance space exploration, we work with space agencies and private companies, providing them bio-farming units to efficiently grow food for astronauts and conduct research on the impact of microgravity on plant molecular composition.

YOUR ROLE

As a Payload Manufacturing Engineer, you will be critical to the Space Program team. You will work with a cross-functional team to manufacture and build Interstellar Lab’s plant growth systems in LEO and work on lunar payloads such as Mission Little Prince.

The Payload Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for the fabrication of mechanical systems and completing testing and requirements of the system. This includes product development, design, implementation, and maintenance for all mechanical systems supporting the production and operations of Interstellar Lab space systems.

Your creativity and relentless commitment to quality will be essential in analyzing, creating, and maintaining payload systems designs to ultimately build a state-of-the-art and fully mechanical system capable of safely and reliably meeting required performances and allowing for user operations. You will also put your engineering knowledge to the test by performing real-time troubleshooting on the products as they go from the integration phase through operations. Our fundamental goal is to allow life to grow anywhere; with it comes the extreme responsibility to ensure the safety of plant materials and users in charge of growing them.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support internal engineering development on space exploration payloads and facilities (ISS, Orbital Stations, and Lunar program).
• Perform engineering design evaluations.
• Produce required design documentation.
• Fabricate and assemble new product development.
• Build complex mechanical assemblies to a high standard, including high and low-voltage wiring and pneumatics.
• Operate equipment including forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts, and tractor trailers for critical moves/lifts within the facility.
• Work directly with other design and mechanical engineers to achieve a common design that meets assigned schedules.
• Inspect parts and designs by vendors to verify compliance with specifications and drawings.
• Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
• Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
• Work independently with little direct supervision to support tight milestone schedules.

PROFILE

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university required.
• 4-6 years of mechanical or service technician experience.
• Able to read blueprints and complete basic shop math.
• Able to read and interpret electrical schematics.
• Able to work independently and problem-solve efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Positive attitude and ability to work well on a team.
• Willingness to provide constructive feedback to the engineering and production teams to improve tooling designs, processes, and parts.
• Able to stay organized with strong attention to detail.
• Experience in the Space Hardware industry preferred.
• Experience using CAD Software is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fluent in French, Italian, German, or another language.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to work all required shift hours, overtime, and/or weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Interstellar Lab. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.

Interstellar Lab is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other legally protected characteristics.