Mechanical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Design Manager

Company: Stoke Space

Location: Kent, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Mechanical Design

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design, development, integration, and testing of critical stage fluids system hardware for reusable launch vehicles.

• Manage the technical roadmap for mechanical design within the stage fluids division, ensuring alignment with company objectives and future vehicle development.

• Drive the creation and implementation of lasting technical standards and guides for space vehicle mechanical design, fostering consistency and excellence.

• Mentor and develop a team of mechanical design engineers, providing technical coaching and career growth opportunities.

• Own the complete product lifecycle for fluids system components, from conceptualization through release, build, testing, and operational deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the highly specialized aerospace and launch vehicle sector, demanding a deep understanding of complex mechanical systems, particularly those involving cryogenics and high-pressure fluids. The "extreme owner" mentality implies a high degree of accountability and hands-on involvement, which is crucial for successful operations in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and execute the technical roadmap for stage fluids mechanical design, encompassing current and future vehicle generations.

• Lead the end-to-end design process for fluids systems, from initial concept and feasibility studies through detailed design release, component fabrication, rigorous testing, and successful vehicle-level integration.

• Develop and document robust technical standards, design guides, and best practices for mechanical design within the space vehicle context, ensuring scalability and reliability.

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and cultivate a high-performing team of mechanical design engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

• Provide expert technical coaching and mentorship to team members across key disciplines, including structural analysis, fluid dynamics, design for manufacturability (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and space vehicle design qualification.

• Uphold and promote a team culture characterized by unwavering integrity, mission-critical reliability, and a commitment to rapid, iterative development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, strategic planning, and hands-on engineering oversight. The emphasis on "technical roadmap" and "technical standards" suggests a need for strategic thinking and long-term vision, while "release, build, testing, and vehicle-level operations" points to a comprehensive, end-to-end product ownership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field. A Master's degree is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a significant portion involving the design, build, and rigorous testing of space vehicle mechanical systems. Additionally, at least 1 year of experience in a formal or informal leadership capacity, managing and mentoring engineering teams.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of fundamental mechanical engineering principles, including statics, dynamics, strength of materials, and thermodynamics.

• Proven expertise in design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles, with a strong understanding of fabrication and assembly processes.

• Hands-on experience with the fabrication and assembly of mechanical components, demonstrating practical application of design principles.

• Proficiency in project management, including the ability to develop accurate, resource-loaded schedules and manage project timelines effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a systematic approach to identifying and resolving complex mechanical design challenges. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with cryogenic fluids systems, propellant management, high-pressure gas systems, reaction control systems (RCS), and tank pressurization systems.

• Familiarity with space vehicle design qualification processes and standards.

• Experience developing and implementing technical standards and guides for engineering teams.

• Proficiency in CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or CATIA.

• Experience with structural analysis tools like ANSYS or Abaqus.

• Programming skills in Python or Matlab for analysis, automation, and scripting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Mastery of fundamentals" combined with "5+ years of experience" and "1+ years of leading a team" indicates this role is for an experienced engineer ready to step into management. The software proficiencies (NX, ANSYS, Python, Matlab, Excel) are critical technical requirements for performing detailed design and analysis.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant projects demonstrating end-to-end mechanical design ownership, from concept through to successful testing or integration.

• Include detailed case studies of complex mechanical systems designed, with a focus on stage fluids, cryogenics, or high-pressure systems.

• Highlight projects where you were responsible for structural engineering aspects of component mounting and integration.

• Present evidence of creating or significantly contributing to technical standards, design guides, or process documentation.

• Demonstrate experience with design for manufacturing and assembly, including examples of how DFM/DFA principles improved production efficiency or reduced costs. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of project plans or schedules that illustrate your project management capabilities, including resource allocation and timeline management.

• Include documentation related to design reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR), demonstrating your understanding of formal engineering processes.

• Showcase any process improvement initiatives you have led or contributed to within a design or engineering team.

• Illustrate your approach to technical problem-solving, potentially through documented troubleshooting guides or root cause analysis reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role, the portfolio should not only demonstrate individual technical prowess but also leadership in process development and team enablement. Evidence of creating standards and managing projects end-to-end is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided salary ranges for Level 3 ($129,150 - $193,620) and Level 4 ($151,305 - $252,105) represent the target compensation for this role. The final base salary will be determined based on the candidate's specific experience, skill level, and the final assessment of their fit for Level 3 or Level 4.

Benefits:

• Equity: Stock options are offered to all regular, full-time employees, providing a stake in the company's future success.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive benefits include subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance. Company-paid life and disability insurance are also provided.

• Retirement: A 401(k) plan with an employer match is available to support long-term financial planning.

• Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) includes 4 weeks annually, plus 10 paid holidays (including an end-of-year closure).

• Family Support: Paid family and parental leave options are available.

• Lifestyle: On-site gym access or a monthly wellness stipend is provided, promoting employee well-being.

• Workplace Perks: Dog-friendly offices enhance the overall work environment.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the company culture emphasizes "fast iteration," suggesting a dynamic work environment that may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines and critical milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are comprehensive and suggest the company is willing to compensate experienced candidates at a competitive level. The benefits package is robust, particularly the inclusion of equity and comprehensive health coverage, which are attractive to experienced professionals. The "fast iteration" culture implies that while 40 hours is standard, project demands might necessitate occasional overtime, a common aspect of high-growth aerospace companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, specifically focused on reusable launch vehicle technology and space transportation services. Stoke Space aims to revolutionize the space economy by making daily flights to space a reality.

Company Size: Stoke Space is a rapidly growing startup, likely employing between 50-200 individuals, indicated by its active hiring across multiple engineering disciplines and its ambitious product roadmap. This size implies a dynamic, agile environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: Stoke Space was founded in 2019. This relatively recent founding means the company is in a high-growth, development-intensive phase, characterized by innovation, rapid iteration, and a strong focus on product realization.

Team Structure:

• The Mechanical Design team is likely part of a larger Engineering department, potentially structured by vehicle system (e.g., Stage Fluids, Propulsion, Structures, Avionics).

• The Mechanical Design Manager reports to a Director of Engineering or VP of Engineering, overseeing a team of mechanical design engineers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with propulsion engineers, systems engineers, manufacturing teams, test engineers, and potentially software/avionics teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are informed by rigorous analysis, simulation, and empirical testing data.

• Iterative Development: A culture of rapid prototyping, testing, and refinement is central to accelerating product development and achieving mission objectives.

• Extreme Ownership: Engineers are empowered and expected to take full responsibility for their designs and systems throughout their lifecycle.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Open communication and teamwork are key to tackling complex engineering challenges.

Company Website: https://stokespace.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a startup in the competitive aerospace sector, Stoke Space likely fosters a culture of intense dedication, innovation, and shared mission. The "extreme owner" philosophy is a strong indicator of the level of responsibility and autonomy expected from team members.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior individual contributor with significant management responsibilities, placing it at a management or principal engineering level within the mechanical design domain. It involves not just technical execution but also strategic leadership, team development, and process establishment.

Reporting Structure: The Mechanical Design Manager will report to higher-level engineering leadership (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering) and will directly manage a team of mechanical design engineers. This position acts as a critical bridge between senior leadership and the design engineering workforce.

Operations Impact: The Mechanical Design Manager's work directly impacts the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of Stoke Space's launch vehicles. Successful design and management of stage fluids systems are paramount to achieving the company's goal of daily, reusable spaceflight. The role's output is foundational to the company's mission success and commercial viability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: Potential to grow into a Director or VP of Engineering role, overseeing broader engineering functions or multiple vehicle programs.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like cryogenic systems, advanced propulsion, or structural dynamics.

• Process Innovation: Lead initiatives to develop and implement cutting-edge design and manufacturing processes that set new industry benchmarks.

• Team Building & Mentorship: Develop a reputation as a strong leader and mentor, guiding the next generation of aerospace engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This management role offers a clear path for career advancement within a high-growth aerospace startup. The combination of technical depth and leadership responsibilities makes it an attractive position for experienced engineers looking to move into management or for existing managers seeking to make a significant impact in a mission-driven organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly on-site in Kent, Washington. This indicates a traditional office and potentially laboratory/workshop environment typical for aerospace engineering companies, facilitating hands-on work and close team collaboration.

Office Location(s): Kent, Washington, part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area, known for its strong aerospace industry presence. This location offers access to a skilled talent pool and a robust ecosystem of aerospace suppliers and partners.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Space: Expect an environment where engineers work in close proximity, fostering spontaneous discussions and knowledge sharing, likely with access to shared CAD workstations and analysis software.

• Tooling & Technology: Access to industry-standard CAD (NX mentioned), CAE (ANSYS mentioned), and potentially scripting/analysis tools (Python, Matlab, Excel). Proximity to fabrication and testing facilities is also likely.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and informal check-ins will be part of the daily routine, promoting a cohesive and efficient working unit.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the "fast iteration" and "extreme owner" culture suggest that flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines and launch schedules. This is typical for the aerospace industry where mission success often dictates work demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for hands-on engineering management roles in aerospace, ensuring effective oversight of design, fabrication, and testing processes. The location in the Seattle area is a significant advantage for talent acquisition and industry networking.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core qualifications.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on mechanical design principles, fluids systems, structural analysis, DFM, and your experience with relevant software tools. Expect scenario-based questions and problem-solving challenges.

• Leadership/Management Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, team management experience, mentoring approach, and ability to foster a positive team culture. Questions will probe your experience in setting technical direction and managing engineering projects.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your specific contributions, design decisions, challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. Focus on demonstrating impact and ownership.

• Meet the Team/Final Interview: Opportunity to interact with potential colleagues and senior leadership. This stage often assesses cultural fit and provides a final opportunity to ask questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in mechanical design, fluids systems, structural engineering, and leadership. Prioritize projects with clear impact and quantifiable results.

• Demonstrate Ownership: Clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project. Use "I" statements for your direct work and "we" statements for team efforts you led or significantly contributed to.

• Highlight Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, detail the design process followed, challenges encountered, and how you overcame them. Emphasize your problem-solving methodology and analytical approach.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved efficiency by X%, reduced weight by Y%, passed qualification testing with Z margin).

• Prepare for Technical Depth: Be ready to dive deep into the technical details of your chosen projects, discussing trade-offs, design choices, and analysis results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Challenges: Be prepared for potential design exercises or problem-solving scenarios related to fluids systems, structural integrity, or DFM. Practice sketching solutions and articulating your thought process.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing conflict within a team, motivating engineers, handling underperformance, and setting team goals. Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Company Research: Understand Stoke Space's mission, technology, and recent developments. Be ready to articulate why you are passionate about their work and how your skills align with their goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential technical challenges highlights the practical, results-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only theoretical knowledge but also applied experience and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in NX is explicitly required. Experience with other high-end CAD packages like CATIA, SolidWorks, or Inventor is beneficial.

• CAE/FEA Software: ANSYS is a required tool for structural analysis, simulation, and potentially fluid dynamics. Familiarity with Abaqus, COMSOL, or similar packages is advantageous.

• Programming/Scripting: Python and Matlab are required for analysis, automation, and potentially data processing. Proficiency in Excel for data management and analysis is also expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, expect to utilize Excel extensively for data aggregation and basic analysis. Proficiency with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) could be a plus for reporting on team performance or design metrics.

• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) for managing design files and code is highly valuable. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this core design management role, but familiarity with project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana, MS Project) for tracking tasks, schedules, and team progress is expected.

• Understanding of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for managing design data and revisions is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools (NX, ANSYS, Python, Matlab, Excel) are industry standards for advanced mechanical design and analysis in aerospace. Demonstrating practical application and problem-solving using these tools will be critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in design, analysis, and reporting, especially critical in a safety-conscious industry like aerospace.

• Reliability: A deep commitment to designing systems that are robust, dependable, and perform as intended under extreme conditions.

• Fast Iteration: Embracing a culture of rapid prototyping, testing, and learning to accelerate development cycles and achieve ambitious goals efficiently.

• Extreme Ownership: Fostering a mindset where every team member takes full responsibility for their work and its impact on the overall mission.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and mutual support to collectively solve complex challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with propulsion, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering teams. Proactive communication and a willingness to bridge disciplines are key.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of technical insights, lessons learned, and best practices across the team and with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicitly stated values of "Integrity, Reliability, and Fast Iteration" coupled with "extreme owner" philosophy define the core operating principles. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their past work and leadership approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Performance Design Constraints: Balancing the demands of creating lightweight, high-performance systems with stringent reliability and safety requirements for reusable launch vehicles.

• Rapid Development Cycles: Managing team efforts to deliver complex designs quickly while maintaining rigorous engineering standards in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Team Growth and Scalability: Effectively scaling the mechanical design team and its processes to meet the increasing demands of new vehicle development and production.

• Integration Complexity: Ensuring seamless integration of stage fluids systems with other vehicle components, which often involves intricate interfaces and dependencies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specialized areas like cryogenic fluid management, advanced materials, or complex structural dynamics through hands-on project work.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal mentorship from senior leadership, providing opportunities to hone management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership skills.

• Industry Exposure: Involvement in the cutting-edge development of reusable launch vehicle technology, offering unparalleled experience in a rapidly evolving sector.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Leading initiatives to innovate and optimize design, analysis, and integration processes, contributing to the company's operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of high-growth aerospace startups, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to managing complexity and rapid change. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering both technical and leadership advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance aggressive project timelines with critical design requirements. How did you ensure both were met?" (Focus on your project management and risk mitigation strategies.)

• "How do you establish and maintain technical standards for a design team? Provide an example of standards you've developed." (Emphasize your approach to documentation, best practices, and team buy-in.)

• "Walk me through a complex mechanical design project you led. What were the key challenges, your specific contributions, and the ultimate outcome?" (Use the STAR method, focusing on technical details, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you foster a culture of 'extreme ownership' within your engineering team?" (Discuss empowerment, accountability, and feedback mechanisms.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Stoke Space and our mission to enable daily spaceflight?" (Connect your passion for aerospace and innovation to the company's goals.)

• "How do you approach mentoring and developing junior engineers?" (Share specific examples of your coaching style and success stories.)

• "Describe your experience with cryogenic fluids systems or high-pressure gas systems. What are the key design considerations?" (Demonstrate your technical knowledge relevant to the role's core challenges.)

• "How do you ensure integrity and reliability in your team's designs, especially under tight deadlines?" (Highlight your process for quality assurance and risk management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in mechanical design, fluids systems, and team management.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your proposed solution, the design process, key technical decisions, challenges overcome, and quantifiable results.

• Highlight Your Leadership Role: Explicitly state your responsibilities as a manager and individual contributor within the project.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed technical questions about your designs, analysis methods, and software tools used.

• Showcase Process Improvement: If applicable, present examples of how you improved design processes, workflow efficiency, or documentation standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a cultural fit with Stoke Space's mission-driven, fast-paced environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Mechanical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Stoke Space careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in mechanical design, fluids systems, leadership, project management, and proficiency with required software tools (NX, ANSYS, Python, Matlab). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your design expertise, leadership capabilities, and impact. Be ready to present these in detail, focusing on your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Research Stoke Space: Understand their mission, technology (Nova launch vehicle), and company culture. Prepare to articulate why you are a strong fit for their specific needs and values.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common technical, leadership, and behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method and be ready to discuss your portfolio projects thoroughly.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Stoke Space during the application and interview process.