Director of Engineering And Operations

LEAP Space - We are hiring a Director of Engineering Operations Role:

Director of Engineering Operations

Hybrid

LEAP is transforming space logistics with rapid-response, mass producible launch solutions designed to eliminate bottlenecks in space access. Leveraging proprietary propulsion technology and modern manufacturing techniques, LEAP delivers scalable and cost-effective, launch solutions for national security, commercial payload deployment, and global point-to-point logistics applications.

As our Operations Engineering Director, you will create an engineering organization responsible for the build, test, and launch of LEAP’s suborbital and orbital class vehicles. You will establish standards of engineering for LEAP’s Materials and Processes, Manufacturing Engineering, Test & Launch, and Ground Support Equipment engineering teams and be responsible for allocating resources accordingly to best hit schedule, quality, and budget objectives.

• Own the end-to-end operations engineering execution from initial hardware build through flight, ensuring manufacturing, test, and launch activities are aligned, repeatable, and capable of delivering safe, flight-worthy outcomes on schedule and within budget
• Establish scalable engineering standards across Materials & Processes, Manufacturing Engineering, Test & Launch, and Ground Support Equipment, enabling consistent execution as vehicles progress from prototype to operational cadence
• Translate vehicle design requirements into manufacturable, testable, and operable systems, reducing late-stage rework and ensuring engineering intent is realized reliably on the factory floor and at the launch site
• Partner closely with Vehicle, Propulsion, Avionics, and Systems Engineering to integrate operational realities early in the design lifecycle, improving first-pass success and reducing technical and schedule risk
• Drive design for manufacturability, testability, operability, and safety across vehicle systems, resulting in improved build quality, predictable test outcomes, and safe launch operations
• Allocate engineering resources strategically across programs, facilities, and development phases to meet aggressive schedules while maintaining quality and safety standards
• Lead and scale multidisciplinary operations engineering teams to support increasing build rates, test tempo, and launch cadence without compromising execution discipline
• Build a culture of accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement across operations engineering, strengthening LEAP’s ability to transition from development to sustained operations

• A proven background in engineering and engineering leadership
• 12+ years of experience in aerospace engineering with significant exposure to manufacturing, test, and flight operations.
• 5+ years leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Direct experience with liquid propulsion systems and/or launch vehicle hardware strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, test & launch infrastructure, and ground systems.

• Experience at a launch vehicle or spacecraft manufacturer (Required - Orbital class preferred).
• Experience supporting static fire testing and launch operations. (Required)
• Familiarity with FAA, range safety, and environmental compliance interfaces. (Required)
• Track record of scaling operations from prototype to production. (Required)
• Background in early-stage or high-growth aerospace startups.

The estimated salary range for this role reflects various compensation factors. The final offer depends on factors such as work experience, education, training, key skills, and business needs.

In addition, LEAP provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes:

• Equity Program: Equity plan participation is available to all employees following an initial 90-day employment period and is performance-based. Equity allocations are determined on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Managers may make recommendations based on individual and team…