Spacecraft Technical Project Lead

Spacecraft Technical Project Lead

Location: Los Angeles (Onsite)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Our client, an innovative company developing next-generation space systems, is looking for an experienced Spacecraft Technical Project Lead to provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle of spacecraft development, from concept and design through integration, testing, launch and early operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced space systems professional who enjoys working across multidisciplinary engineering teams, solving complex technical challenges, and driving the successful delivery of advanced space missions in a fast-paced NewSpace environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development and delivery of spacecraft programmes throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Oversee spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T), ensuring technical requirements, schedules and quality standards are achieved.
• Collaborate with systems, mechanical, electrical, software and mission engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and optimise system performance.
• Support launch campaign activities and coordinate technical interfaces with external launch and mission partners.
• Work closely with R&D teams to integrate and validate new technologies into spacecraft development.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance and mentoring to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Partner with programme management to ensure technical milestones are delivered on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with suppliers and external partners to ensure technical deliverables meet project objectives.

Requirements

• Significant experience developing spacecraft or satellite systems. 5+ years of Defense and Space Manufacturing experience.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft architecture, systems engineering and subsystem integration.
• Proven experience with spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T).
• Understanding of spacecraft ground segment operations, command and control systems, and mission operations.
• Experience supporting launch integration and launch campaign activities.
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics, spacecraft communications and space mission operations.
• Strong technical problem-solving, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

Nice to Have

• Experience leading spacecraft programmes from concept through launch and commissioning.
• Knowledge of EMC/EMI design principles and environmental testing for spacecraft.
• Experience working within commercial space or NewSpace organisations.
• Familiarity with engineering tools or programming languages such as Python, MATLAB or C++.
• Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.

What’s on Offer

• Work on cutting-edge spacecraft and satellite programmes.
• Join a highly collaborative engineering team delivering innovative space missions.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Excellent opportunity to make a significant technical impact within a growing space organisation.

If you are interested, please get in touch and apply: angela.olmo@newspacetechnical.com / madison.risdale@newspacetechnical.com