Lead Systems Engineer

Astrobotic is at the forefront of advancing space exploration and technology development. Our expertise spans from lunar rovers, landers, and infrastructure to spacecraft navigation, machine vision, and computing systems for in-space robotic applications. To date, the company has been contracted for two lunar missions, and has won more than 60 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense (DoD), and commercial technology contracts worth more than $600 million.

We recently launched and operated the first American lunar lander mission since the Apollo Program. Beyond helping lead America back to the Moon, Astrobotic developed and operates reusable vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rockets and continues to advance next-generation VTVL capabilities and advanced rocket engines. Established in 2007, Astrobotic is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with a propulsion and test campus in Mojave, CA.

The Systems Engineering group fosters a collaborative working environment where each member of the team has a high degree of freedom, responsibility, and expectations. We serve as the backbone of Astrobotic's mission to make space accessible to the world and are responsible for managing the system lifecycle of Astrobotic systems, from concept through design, testing, production, and flight. The Systems Engineering group consists of highly skilled engineers working across multiple disciplines to ensure that every component, subsystem, and interface meets the required standards for safety, performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Systems Engineer to head our Xodiac vehicle programs. Applicants with a strong work ethic and demonstrated ability to learn on the job are encouraged to apply. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Work side-by-side with the engineering teams to 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 including: 
  • Concept of operations 
  • Mission and system requirements 
  • Vehicle and design configuration control 
  • Technical budgets 
  • Trade Studies 
  • Launch vehicle requirements 
  • Fault management 
  • Interface control 
  • V&V and test planning 
  • Technical risk and mitigation plan identification 

• Preparing and delivering technical documentation and reporting 
• Leading technical presentations and/or demonstrations during concept development, engineering development, and test phases 
• Communicating with partners and customers to resolve technical risks and challenges relating to the system and/or customer requirements 
• As required, review and approve engineering technical deliverables including analysis, test reports, engineering and manufacturing definition  
• Supports all vehicle build activities including assembly, non-conformance disposition, functional testing and integrated checkouts 
• Collaborates with the Program Manager to build and maintain integrated program schedules and ensure technical scope is executed in a timely manner 
• Coordinates and leads subsystem leads to develop a flight vehicle 
• Responsible for the technical adequacy of the vehicle 
• Works with the VTVL Chief Engineer to ensure alignment on cross-platform configurations and substantiation methods 

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in multiple (not all) of the following areas: liquid propellant rocket systems, propulsion systems, avionics or electronics systems, structures and vehicle assembly, software engineering and development, embedded systems engineering, systems engineering, systems integration and test, flight test, verification and validation, and/or system configuration management 
• Demonstrated experience as the technical lead implementing the full life cycle of design, development, manufacturing, testing, and operations. Must be able to demonstrate hands-on hardware experience. 
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with internal and external organizations. 
• B.S. in Engineering or related technical field plus 5 years of relevant space mission experience including demonstrated leadership roles. Relevant advanced degree will be considered in lieu of equivalent experience. 

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience developing liquid propellant rocket propulsion systems, from feasibility studies through flight and mission operations. 
• Knowledge of system manufacturing and V&V plans for propulsion and flight vehicle systems 
• Familiarity with DO-160, DO-178, NASA-STD-5001 and SMC-S-0016 
• Demonstrated experience operating in an AS9100 or ISO9000 environment. 
• Demonstrated experience working in an agile environment, using organizational tools such as Confluence and Jira. 
• Experience with requirements management tools such as Jama. 
• Familiarity with 14 CFR Part 450, AFSPCMAN 91-710, and/or ARP4761 
• Familiarity with structural engineering. 
• Knowledgeable of system V&V planning. 
• Knowledgeable of reliability engineering and analysis. 
• Knowledgeable of range safety compliance. 

Compensation & Benefits:

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for this position. The actual base salary offered will depend on numerous factors, including individual performance, business objectives, and the candidate’s professional & educational experience. Base salary is just one component of Astrobotic’s competitive total rewards strategy.

Our total rewards package for full-time employees includes:

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

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more details about the specific compensation and benefits during the hiring process.

Export Control Regulations:

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 or U.S. person which includes U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) including those individuals granted refugee or asylum status, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Astrobotic Technology, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation:

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request tocontact@astrobotic.com.

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