Chief Engineer (Spacecraft)

About the role

Impulse Space is looking for a Chief Engineer (Spacecraft) to act as the technical leader of a spacecraft product line. The role owns the system architecture and technical direction from early concept through launch and on-orbit operations, 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 spacecraft system architecture and technical baseline across the full program lifecycle
• Lead cross-functional trade studies and major design decisions to optimise performance, reliability, manufacturability, schedule and cost
• Maintain deep knowledge of all spacecraft subsystems, interfaces, operational concepts and mission objectives
• Drive the 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
• Oversee vehicle-level readiness and certification, including 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 design, production, testing, operations and organisational processes

Required profile

• 10+ years of demonstrated experience in the spacecraft domain
• 5+ years leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or managing large-scale technical programs
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace or a related field
• Proven track record of managing hardware programs through the full lifecycle
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI or TS/SAP security clearance
• Preferred: 12+ years leading teams or programs, direct experience as Chief Engineer, Deputy Chief Engineer, System Lead or equivalent, active TS/SCI clearance, experience scaling engineering organisations in growing aerospace companies, intimate knowledge of DoD standards and requirements

What we offer

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