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Chief Engineer (Spacecraft)

Impulse· Programs
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Redondo Beach$220k - $260kFull-timePosted 3w ago

About the role

Technical leader responsible for vision, execution, and mission success of a spacecraft product line. Owns system architecture and technical direction from concept through launch and on-orbit operations; partners with engineering, manufacturing, test, mission operations, and executive leadership to drive technical decisions and mitigate risk.

Responsibilities

  • Own the spacecraft system architecture and technical baseline across the full program lifecycle
  • Lead cross-functional technical trade studies and major design decisions to optimize performance, reliability, manufacturability, schedule, and cost
  • Maintain deep understanding of all spacecraft subsystems, interfaces, operational concepts, and mission objectives
  • Drive the program technical roadmap in partnership with subsystem leads and subject matter experts while balancing performance, reliability, schedule, risk, and cost
  • Establish and uphold a high standard of engineering rigor, technical discipline, and configuration control throughout development and operations
  • Identify technical, operational, and programmatic risks early and develop mitigation strategies to ensure mission success
  • Define and oversee vehicle-level readiness and certification processes, 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 external partners
  • Lead resolution of major anomalies and technical issues, driving root cause investigations and corrective actions through closure
  • Champion continuous improvement across vehicle design, production, testing, operations, and organizational processes

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of demonstrated experience in the spacecraft domain
  • 5+ years of demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or managing large-scale technical programs
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or related field
  • Proven track record of managing hardware programs through the full lifecycle
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills in fast-moving technical environments
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI or TS/SAP security clearance

Skills

Required:System architectureTechnical leadershipRisk management

Benefits

  • stock options
  • medical, vision & dental coverage
  • access to a 401(k) retirement plan
Last updated Oct 1, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Impulse

Accelerating our future beyond Earth

Accelerating our future beyond Earth

spacevehiclesmobilitypayloads
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