Build Engineer

About the role

They say the best deployable is no deployable, but we believe large deployable mechanisms are the future for large infrastructure in space.

At Beyond Reach Labs, we are designing and building the largest deployable structures ever flown to space. As an engineering-driven organization, you will be at the forefront of the company's key technology development.
As a Build Engineer, you will turn designs into hardware: from early R&D test articles, through full-scale prototypes, to qualification units and first flight deployables. You will work hands-on in the lab and alongside design, analysis and test engineers, owning how our hardware is built, integrated and verified.
Key Responsibilities:

• Prototype

  • Lead the build and integration of full-scale and subscale deployable prototypes, from kitting through full assembly and component level.

  • Design and build the tooling, fixtures, jigs and ground support equipment (for example gravity offload systems) needed to assemble and deploy large structures.

  • Plan builds, manage parts and materials, and keep schedules moving across a fast-paced lab.

• Research & Development

  • Build and modify early test articles, mechanism breadboards and material coupons to retire key technical risks quickly.

  • Work directly with design engineers to iterate on concepts, giving design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly feedback from the bench.

  • Develop and trial new fabrication, bonding, joining and tensioning techniques for large, lightweight structures.

  • Source and work closely with vendors to secure critical materials and piece parts.

• Qualification

  • Plan and run build, qualification, and acceptance testing for the hardware and tooling needed to hit delivery deadlines.

  • Build qualification and flight-like units to controlled, documented processes with full traceability.

  • Support environmental test campaigns, including vibration, thermal vacuum and deployment testing, through pre-test build, integration and post-test inspection.

  • Capture as-built configurations, nonconformances and corrective actions, and drive root-cause investigations when hardware does not behave as expected.

Basic Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace or manufacturing engineering, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.

• 1+ years of experience building, integrating or testing mechanical or electromechanical hardware.

• Hands-on skill with hand and power tools, precision measurement and mechanical assembly.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T.

• Working knowledge of CAD (for example SolidWorks, NX or Onshape).

Preferred qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience building, integrating or testing mechanical or electromechanical hardware.

• Experience building spacecraft or launch vehicle hardware, ideally deployable mechanisms such as booms, antennas, solar arrays or hinges.

• Experience taking hardware through qualification or acceptance testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, shock).

• Experience with composites layup, adhesive bonding or other lightweight structure fabrication.

• Machining, 3D printing or other rapid prototyping skills

• Experience designing tooling and ground support equipment for large assemblies.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.

• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.