Head of Ground Support Systems - Mechanical Engineer

Urban Sky is a venture-backed aerospace startup that pioneers utilization of the stratosphere and reimagines the way humans view and analyze the earth. We design, build, operate, and sell stratospheric balloon systems, and the data we collect supports a wide range of applications, from real-time wildfire monitoring to urban mapping. Our technology is also employed by government customers including the Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, and others. Urban Sky sends flight vehicles to the stratosphere on a weekly basis. 

Our team consists of engineers, makers, developers, and doers who believe in the power of human potential when passion meets utility within a small, supportive team. At Urban Sky we strive to create a team culture grounded in candor, inclusion, respect and empowerment. 

We aim to build the next chapter of stratospheric history in Denver and are seeking self-starting, open-minded, and hard-working team members. 

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required.
• A mechanical engineer who deeply understands high-pressure gas systems, heavy mechanical assemblies, and robust product design. This is your craft and you are deeply skilled at it.
• A self-starter who thrives with autonomy and doesn’t need someone to tell you what to build next. You see what needs to be done, you make a plan, and you execute.
• Someone who thrives in ambiguity and moves fast. You are comfortable making decisions with incomplete information and iterating toward the right answer through building and testing.
• A builder who ships. You are not interested in analysis paralysis or endless design reviews. You want to get hardware into the real world, learn from it, and make it better.
• Safety-conscious by instinct. You understand that high-pressure gas systems and heavy mechanical equipment demand rigorous engineering discipline, and you bring that discipline naturally without slowing down.
• Hard-working and highly motivated. You want to be part of a company that is commercializing the stratosphere, and you are ready to work hard to make that happen.
• Scrappy and resourceful. You can work within constraints, find creative solutions, and deliver results without waiting for perfect conditions or unlimited budgets.
• A strong communicator who can work across teams, write clear documentation, and explain technical decisions to both engineers and non-engineers.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline; advanced degree is a plus but not required.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and engineering, with significant hands-on work involving high-pressure gas systems, pressure vessels, regulators, and associated plumbing.
• Strong foundation in solid mechanics, structural analysis, and pressure system design. Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA software.
• Experience designing products for field use in demanding or uncontrolled environments — not just lab hardware.
• Demonstrated ability to take products from concept through production, including design-for-manufacturing considerations.
• Familiarity with relevant codes and standards for pressure systems (e.g., ASME BPVC, CGA, DOT) is strongly preferred.
• Experience with anchoring systems, mechanical releases, or heavy rigging is a plus.
• Comfortable with hands-on prototyping, shop work, and field testing.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required.

Requirements: 

• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Must be located near Denver, CO
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance may be required for certain programs 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Vision and Dental 
• Unlimited Vacation Days 
• Parental Leave 
• Cell Phone Bill Stipend 
• Stock Options