About this role
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way. We are seeking a Sr. Design Engineer (Test & R&D) to lead the mechanical design and development of test infrastructure supporting the development, qualification, and production of advanced aerospace hardware. This role will focus on designing mechatronics test beds, environmental test fixtures, CNC machining fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) from initial concept through fabrication, assembly, test, and deployment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on design engineer who can move comfortably between CAD, mechanical design, manufacturing, instrumentation, controls, and the test floor . This position requires strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and the ability to design practical, robust hardware that can be fabricated, assembled, instrumented, operated, and maintained in a fast-paced R&D environment. The Sr. Design Engineer will work closely with Test Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, CNC Machining, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and technicians to develop test solutions that enable rapid and repeatable hardware development. Design and develop mechanical test beds and integrated test systems for component, subsystem, and system-level testing. Develop structures, frames, mechanisms, motion systems, fixtures, mounts, enclosures, and equipment interfaces. Integrate mechanical hardware with sensors, actuators, motors, instrumentation, electrical systems, and controls. Design fixtures and GSE supporting environmental testing, including vibration, thermal, vacuum, thermal-vacuum, shock, and other qualification/development testing. Design hardware capable of maintaining required structural, thermal, and dimensional performance throughout environmental test conditions. Develop interfaces between flight/development hardware and external test equipment. Perform appropriate structural, tolerance, thermal, and load-path analysis or coordinate analysis with the appropriate engineering teams. Design CNC workholding and fixturing for complex aerospace components and assemblies. Develop fixtures, soft jaws, nests, locating schemes, modular workholding, and inspection fixtures. Design fixtures around GD&T, datums, machining processes, tool access, workholding requirements, and part deformation considerations. Design and develop GSE for transportation, handling, assembly, integration, testing, servicing, and maintenance of aerospace hardware. Develop lifting fixtures, handling carts, transportation fixtures, assembly stands, work stands, protective covers, access platforms, and specialized support equipment. Design GSE around hardware interfaces, center of gravity, load paths, handling requirements, operational constraints, and personnel safety. Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and manufacturing documentation. Develop concepts from incomplete or evolving requirements and rapidly iterate toward workable solutions.