We9re hiring a Chief Engineer to own the technical architecture behind our lunar landers and satellite delivery programs. We need someone who can own the technical architecture across the board, satellites and spacecraft buses included, and serve as the single point of technical authority for the vehicle across every team and partner that touches it, internal and external. You9ll work directly with our teams in Colorado, Japan, and Luxembourg, as well as outside partners and suppliers, to keep the whole program integrated end to end.

A big part of this job is relationship-based, not just technical. Whoever takes this on needs to build trust fast, with the team, with customers, and across cultures. This role also requires occasional travel to Japan, customers, and vendor sites to build and maintain those relationships directly.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the company9s technical design authority and systems subject matter expert for a series of spacecraft, satellites/buses, and component-level space flight hardware

• Establish vehicle performance requirements, spacecraft architecture, and configurations, and assess vehicle readiness level

• Maintain an in-depth understanding of innovations in spacecraft design and development to ensure ispace remains cutting edge

• Identify common challenges across program teams and facilitate collaboration to ensure technical topics are addressed robustly and consistently

• Own the process for technical reviews, working to continuously improve product performance and reliability

• Facilitate capture of technical lessons learned and ensure processes and design guidance tailored from industry meet best practices

• Assure appropriate configuration control and documentation of the spacecraft and all technical content

• Provide accountability for technical risk, system modeling and simulations, system performance, system architecture, and trade studies

• Collaborate with software, hardware, supply chain, and integration teams

• Take extreme ownership of the project, driving from concept through integration and launch

• Collaborate with business development as a technical resource for capture pursuits

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor9s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent

• 12+ years of spacecraft design, systems engineering, or other relevant space mission experience, including at least 5 years in a technical leadership role

• Thorough understanding of the full design lifecycle, including requirements, V&V, ICDs, CONOPS, design integration, test, and sustainability

• Advanced knowledge of industry best practices and fundamentals of spacecraft design, construction, testing, and operations

• Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and understand complex technical and program interdependencies

• Strategic mindset with the ability to link technology to business

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across the organization and convey decisions, direction, and results clearly

• Direct experience with satellite and/or spacecraft bus design, systems engineering, or integration, in addition to broader spacecraft experience

• Demonstrated ability to build rapport across the team, globally, and with customers, and to work effectively across different cultures

• Must be willing to travel internationally

What Will Make You Stand Out

• Master9s or PhD in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent

• Previously served as Chief Engineer on a space program

• Experience working on government or military programs

• Experience with contract and supplier technical negotiations

• Rapid prototyping experience

• Knowledge of integrated software/hardware verification and test

• Proficiency in Solidworks, Femap, NASTRAN (or equivalent), Confluence, and JIRA

• Experience with complex spacecraft design and integration

$180,000 - $270,000 a year

The salary posted is a targeted range for budget of position. Base compensation can be negotiated and will be commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training. We welcome candidates with diverse experience levels and evaluate the best fit on an individual basis. Your final job level and salary will be determined based on your skills, experience, and the impact you can bring to the role.

• Health Coverage: Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.
• Hybrid Work: Flexibility to work remotely and in-office, depending on your role and the stage of our program.
• Commuter Perks: Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.
• Lunch Perks: Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our cafe9.
• Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel.
• Stock Options: Participation in our stock option program.
• Learning & Development: Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development.
• Team Culture: A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings, including monthly engagement events to connect and unwind.

#LI-LH1

At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don9t meet every listed requirement. If you9re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR.here.