Lead Systems Engineer

Position Overview

Astrobotic is at the forefront of advancing space exploration and technology development, specializing in lunar rovers, landers, spacecraft navigation, machine vision, and advanced computing systems for in‐space robotic applications. Our Systems Engineering group serves as the backbone of our mission—from initial concept through design, testing, production, and flight. We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Systems Engineer to head our Xodiac vehicle programs, where you will have significant responsibility and freedom to shape the technical direction of our advanced propulsion and VTVL vehicle systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and guide the detailed technical design, development, integration, and testing for advanced hardware and software solutions for propulsion systems and vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) vehicles. This includes developing concepts of operations, mission and system requirements, design configuration control, technical budgets, trade studies, launch vehicle requirements, fault management, interface control, V&V and test planning, as well as identifying technical risks and mitigation plans.
• Prepare and deliver technical documentation and reporting, and lead technical presentations and demonstrations during concept development, engineering development, and test phases.
• Communicate with partners and customers to resolve technical risks and challenges related to system or customer requirements.
• Review and approve engineering technical deliverables—including analyses, test reports, and manufacturing definitions—when required.
• Support vehicle build activities including assembly, non-conformance disposition, functional testing, and integrated checkouts. Collaborate with the Program Manager to maintain integrated program schedules, coordinate subsystem leads to develop a flight vehicle, and work with the VTVL Chief Engineer to ensure alignment on cross-platform configurations and substantiation methods.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in one or more areas such as liquid propellant rocket systems, propulsion systems, avionics/electronics, structures and vehicle assembly, software or embedded systems engineering, systems integration and test, flight test, verification and validation, or system configuration management.
• Proven experience as a technical lead managing the full lifecycle of design, development, manufacturing, testing, and operations with hands-on hardware expertise.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• A B.S. in Engineering or a related technical field accompanied by 5 years of relevant space mission experience with demonstrated leadership (an advanced degree may be considered in lieu of equivalent experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing liquid propellant rocket propulsion systems from feasibility studies through flight and mission operations, with knowledge of manufacturing and V&V plans for propulsion and flight vehicle systems.
• Familiarity with DO-160, DO-178, NASA-STD-5001, SMC-S-0016 and experience in AS9100 or ISO9000 environments.
• Experience working in agile environments using tools like Confluence, Jira, and requirements management systems such as Jama, along with a background in structural engineering and range safety compliance.

Benefits & Perks

Compensation: The base salary range is competitive and reflects performance, business objectives, and the candidate’s experience and education.

• Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Financial Protection: Company-paid life insurance and AD&D, plus voluntary short- and long-term disability and supplemental life insurance options.
• Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Options include a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Enjoy immediate vesting with a company match.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible Paid Time Off and company-paid holidays.
• Well-Being Support: An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering counseling, mental health resources, and will preparation services.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Options such as accident and hospital indemnity coverage, plus pet insurance.