VP of Spacecraft Engineering

🚀 Leading all subsystems engineering across the satellite program

We are partnered with a well-funded bay area satellite manufacturer that are transitioning from R&D into production with plans to launch an entire constellation of LEO satellites by 2030.

They are small engineering function right now but will be scaling quickly as they bolster their in-house capability and ramp production rapidly.

This role is has technical authority across the entire satellite program, you'll manage engineering across all subsystems at a vehicle level.

• Own the satellite platform across all subsystems
• Act as Chief Engineer at the spacecraft level, defining and maintaining the technical baseline and interfaces
• Lead system‑level trade decisions, balancing performance, risk, cost, and timeline
• Oversee integration, test, and verification, ensuring analysis and testing validate real-world performance
• Build and lead a high‑performing satellite team
• Drive design‑for‑manufacture and design‑for‑operations to enable scalable build

• Have personally led spacecraft or satellite programs through design, build, launch, and operations
• Have served as a Chief Engineer or technical program owner, leading teams of ~20–30 engineers
• Think like a systems engineer but operate with full program ownership
• Are comfortable making difficult trade-offs when performance, cost, and schedule conflict
• Can dive deep technically while also setting direction, priorities, and accountability
• Care about how satellites perform in orbit as part of a live service, not just at delivery

• Deep experience in spacecraft development, integration, and delivery
• Proven ownership of system‑level integration and trade studies
• Broad grounding across spacecraft subsystems (payload, GNC, power, comms, thermal, structures), with depth in at least one
• Experience with in satellites design or manufacturing
• U.S. work authorization required due to export control regulations

If this role aligns with your background and interests, apply here or reach out for a confidential discussion.