Chief Engineer (Interceptors)

About the role

Impulse Space is looking for a Chief Engineer (Interceptors) to act as the technical authority for a high-performance interceptor platform used in demanding national security space missions. The role owns the end-to-end technical direction of the system, partnering with engineering, manufacturing, test, mission operations and executive leadership to drive technical decisions, manage program risk and deliver highly reliable space systems.

Key responsibilities

• Own the system architecture and technical baseline across the full program lifecycle.
• Lead cross-functional technical trade studies and major design decisions to optimise performance, reliability, manufacturability, schedule and cost.
• Maintain deep understanding of all subsystems, interfaces, operational concepts and mission objectives.
• Drive the program technical roadmap with subsystem leads and subject matter experts, balancing performance, reliability, schedule, risk and cost.
• Uphold engineering rigor, technical discipline and configuration control throughout development and operations.
• Identify technical, operational and programmatic risks early and develop mitigation strategies.
• Define and oversee vehicle-level readiness and certification, including major design reviews, test readiness reviews and mission readiness activities.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for the program with customers, government stakeholders, launch providers and partners.
• Lead resolution of major anomalies, driving root cause investigations and corrective actions to closure.
• Champion continuous improvement across vehicle design, production, testing, operations and organisational processes.

Required profile

• 10+ years of relevant experience in the spacecraft domain.
• 5+ years leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or managing large-scale technical programs.
• Proven track record of managing hardware programs through the full lifecycle.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace or a related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI or TS/SAP security clearance.
• Preferred: 12+ years of leadership experience and direct experience as Chief Engineer, Deputy Chief Engineer, System Lead or equivalent for spacecraft, missile defense or interceptor systems.

Required skills

• Preferred: strong knowledge of guidance, navigation and control (GNC), propulsion, avionics, autonomy and mission systems for maneuverable space vehicles.
• Preferred: hands-on familiarity with spacecraft integration, environmental testing, launch campaigns, mission operations and anomaly resolution.
• Preferred: intimate knowledge of U.S. Department of Defense standards and requirements.

What we offer

• Stated pay range of $220,000 - $260,000 per year, depending on role, level, location and skills.
• Possible long-term incentives such as stock options for full-time hires.
• Medical, vision and dental coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.