Mechanical engineer & aerospace
Hybrid remote
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Bratislava
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Slovakia
/
Full-time
Project Picoballoon
We’re an early-stage startup tackling one of the biggest challenges in climate science - bridging the global weather data gap
At Project Picoballoon, we’re building the next generation of atmospheric monitoring with ultra-light, solar-powered balloons that autonomously travel the globe, gathering real-time weather data at a fraction of the cost of satellites.
Our mission is clear: make high-quality environmental data accessible, affordable, and scalable for researchers, governments, and communities worldwide. By revolutionizing climate monitoring, we’re not just improving weather prediction, we’re providing critical information for climate resilience and disaster prevention.
Key responsibilities
Analyze historical flight data to identify performance trends, formulate hypotheses, and design improved balloon constructions.
Collaborate with manufacturers to develop custom balloons tailored to our use-case, optimizing material selection and fabrication processes.
Design, prototype, and test a miniature 3D-printed gas valve mechanism for controlled gas release and repeatable balloon launches.
Develop and validate physics simulations incorporating buoyancy, gas mixing, thermal expansion, atmospheric modeling, and material stress analysis, working alongside a software engineer.
Plan and conduct testing launches to evaluate new balloon prototypes, validate simulation predictions, and confirm hypotheses.
Ensure seamless integration of mechanical components with embedded probe hardware, working closely with the embedded hardware team.
Work with our flight operations coordinator to define objectives, optimize launch procedures, and improve reliability during the testing flights phase.
Required skills and experience
Final-year university student or graduate in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Applied Physics, or a related field.
Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and structural mechanics.
Experience with numerical simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or COMSOL) for analyzing mechanical and thermal systems.
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or FreeCAD) for designing mechanical components and valves.
Hands-on experience with prototyping, mechanical testing, and experimental validation.
English proficiency (B2 or higher) for writing technical reports and documentation.
Preferred skills
Experience with high-altitude balloon systems and atmospheric research.
Understanding of composite materials, flexible membranes, and mechanical actuators.
Familiarity with 3D printing for mechanical parts and validation testing.
Previous experience with aerospace or mechanical systems testing in a lab or field environment.
About the team
From building a crisis response website for a government to winning a U.S. Navy challenge and launching a global innovation platform - we’ve tackled big problems others overlooked or hesitated to solve.
We’re a hands-on team that values results over titles. If you care about real impact you’ll fit right in. Let’s build something meaningful together.
Compensation and details
Work location: onsite in Bratislava, 40% possible remote
Employment type: full-time
Contract duration: 8 months minimum
Start date: June 2025
Compensation: €2,768 gross (€2,032.74 net)
What to expect from the hiring process:
1. Interview with our founders
3. Homework
4. Interview with homework presentation
5. Culture call and offer
Send your CV through the application form on this website.
If you know someone else who might be interested don’t hesitate to connect us.
Skills
3D CAD
simulation
rapid prototyping