Lead Engineer, Integration and TestLocation: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week)
The TeamWe're looking for a Lead Engineer, Integration and Test to own assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) for Outpost's return vehicles. This role leads test campaigns end to end from planning through flight readiness and leads a small team of engineers and technicians executing that work. You'll partner closely with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams to resolve cross-discipline issues, and you'll help build the AI&T processes and tooling Outpost needs as it scales.
Responsibilities:- Own the integration and test strategy for the return vehicle, from component-level bring-up through full-vehicle qualification
- Lead a small team of engineers and technicians executing AI&T
- Develop and execute test procedures, including environmental and functional test campaigns
- Drive anomaly investigation and resolution during integration and test
- Coordinate with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams to resolve cross-discipline issues
- Own test documentation and support flight readiness reviews
- Help build and refine AI&T processes and tooling as the company scales
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- 6+ years of experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle integration and test
- Proven experience leading test campaigns from planning through flight readiness
- Strong understanding of environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, acoustic)
- Experience developing test procedures, anomaly resolution, and test reporting
- Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior engineers and technicians
- Comfortable working hands-on in a machine shop/lab environment alongside leading strategy
Preferred Experience - Experience with reusable or return vehicles specifically
- Experience with proof and acceptance test campaigns
- Program or test management experience
Compensation:- Competitive Compensation: $160 - $220k annual salary, based on experience and equity component
- Additional Compensation: Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
- Shared upside: Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
- Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental.
- Protection when it matters: Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
- PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
- Invest in your future:401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
- Fueled for the mission: Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
- Mission that matters: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
- Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
- Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more!
