Chief Engineer Spacecraft

Chief Engineer - Spacecraft

About Terran Orbital

At Terran Orbital, we're not just building satellites, we're building the future of space exploration. As a leading manufacturer of small satellites and space systems, we're pushing the boundaries of innovation to deliver cutting-edge solutions for national defense and commercial missions. We're a dynamic, fast-growing team driven by purpose and a passion for making a real impact on the world.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a highly experienced and motivated Chief Engineer - Spacecraft to join our growing team. Reporting to the VP, Space & Mission Systems, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the technical excellence and integrity of our spacecraft products.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to functional engineering teams, serving as a primary technical authority for all spacecraft-related projects.
• Collaborate closely with program managers to define technical requirements, develop solutions, and ensure on-time and on-budget project delivery.
• Drive the development of engineering standards, processes, and tools, incorporating best practices and lessons learned across the organization.
• Contribute to technical cost proposals and actively pursue affordability initiatives without compromising quality.
• Lead the resolution of technical issues and risks, ensuring timely and effective mitigation strategies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft design, development, and integration.
• Proven track record of successfully leading engineering teams and delivering complex projects.
• Deep understanding of spacecraft systems, subsystems, and integration processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft design, development, and integration, with a proven track record of successful program execution.
• Deep understanding of spacecraft subsystems, including propulsion, power, thermal, attitude control, and communication systems.
• Experience leading and mentoring engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to diverse audiences.

Preferred:

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience with satellite constellations and mission operations.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for spacecraft design and development.
• Experience with spacecraft testing and verification methodologies.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to cross-functional engineering teams throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for spacecraft design, development, and integration, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, processes, and tools to enhance product quality, efficiency, and technical integrity.

Program Execution

• Collaborate closely with program managers to define technical requirements, develop technical solutions, and ensure on-time and within-budget project delivery.
• Support the development of technical cost proposals and drive affordability initiatives throughout the spacecraft development process.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks, developing contingency plans and implementing corrective actions as needed.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, identifying opportunities to incorporate innovative solutions into spacecraft designs.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the engineering organization, encouraging knowledge sharing, lessons learned, and process optimization.
• Lead the development and implementation of new technologies and processes to enhance spacecraft performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Candidates interested in the Chief Engineer - Spacecraft position at Terran Orbital will first submit their resume and cover letter through the company's online portal. A review of applications will be conducted, focusing on relevant experience in spacecraft engineering, leadership skills, and alignment with Terran Orbital's mission. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a phone interview to discuss their qualifications and technical expertise in greater detail.

Successful phone interview candidates will then participate in a series of in-person or virtual interviews with members of the engineering team, program management, and senior leadership. These interviews will assess the candidate's technical depth, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and leadership style.

The final stage of the process will involve a technical assessment, which may include design reviews, problem-solving exercises, or presentations related to spacecraft engineering challenges. Based on the comprehensive evaluation of all stages, Terran Orbital will make a final hiring decision.

Terran Orbital Corporation is a leading innovator in the aerospace industry, specializing in the design, manufacturing, launch, and operation of state-of-the-art satellites. Driven by a mission to empower national defense and commercial ventures, Terran Orbital pushes the boundaries of space technology, delivering cutting-edge solutions for advanced mission constellations.

The company's rapid growth and dedication to excellence have established it as a trusted partner, known for its ability to swiftly and efficiently bring groundbreaking satellite technologies to life. Terran Orbital fosters a collaborative and purpose-driven environment where talented individuals can contribute to shaping the future of space exploration and its impact on our world.