Director - Integrated Vehicle Test Engineering and Operations

About The Role

The Director of Integrated Spacecraft Test Engineering leads our Integrated Vehicle Test Group, providing strategic leadership and technical expertise for the comprehensive development, integration, testing, and validation of spacecraft systems throughout the entire product lifecycle. This senior leadership role is responsible for establishing and executing a unified approach to spacecraft testing across all development phases, ensuring operational excellence and program success through cross-functional collaboration and rigorous validation processes.

About You

We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  Direct the development and execution of the organization's integrated spacecraft test strategy aligned with business objectives and program requirements
  Establish and maintain a full program lifecycle concept of operations for integrated vehicle testing
  Build and Lead a multi-disciplinary department that unifies vehicle testing across all development phases
  Develop specialized expertise in integrated vehicle testing methodologies across the organization
  Foster a collaborative environment that maximizes knowledge sharing and problem-solving

• Technical Program Management
  Develop and release baseline program test plans with complete engineering definitions in coordination with Systems Engineering teams
  Coordinate continuously with Systems Engineering and Program teams to evaluate and plan requirements and test events
  Ensure all integrated test efforts align with program schedules and requirements
  Identify integration and test risks, assess mitigation strategies, and provide independent recommendations to stakeholders
  Facilitate escalation and communication of data driven risk and mitigation options with respect to cost, schedule and technical

• Test Infrastructure & Equipment
  Identify demand for Flight Support Equipment needed to execute full program lifecycle test campaigns (EGSE, MGSE, STE)
  Provide lab level facilities and labor resources for early hardware/software product development and integration
  Identify demand for R&D level test equipment and cabling in development phase of hardware and software integration

• Test Execution & Validation
  Manage verification/validation and environmental test campaigns (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, etc.)
  Develop and release execution level products for test events including procedures, ground software scripts, and special test equipment
  Deploy certified personnel for lab level, subsystem, and integrated system powered-on testing
  Lead test anomaly and troubleshooting efforts, ensuring root cause identification and appropriate corrective actions
  Support evaluation of readiness, including Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), integration milestones, and major program reviews

• Cross-Functional Leadership
  Maintain continuous coordination with Production, Ground Operations, and Program teams for performance to plan (cost and schedule)
  Facilitate subsystem and system level hardware/software development, integration, test, and troubleshooting
  Develop and maintain business alignment to Command Media and Product Realization relative to Integration and Test function
  Communicate complex technical topics to senior decision-makers with varying technical backgrounds through clear briefings and written reports

Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or related field) required; Master's degree preferred
  12+ years of experience with spacecraft systems engineering, integration, and testing
  5+ years of leadership experience in spacecraft test engineering or related field

• Technical Knowledge
  Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft systems design, development, assembly, integration, and testing
  Experience with all phases of the satellite mission lifecycle, from concept development through launch and landing operations
  Strong understanding of integration flows, test sequencing, and verification methodologies
  Expertise in environmental test planning and execution (TVAC, vibration, acoustic, EMI/EMC, shock, etc)
  Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for spacecraft integration and environmental testing

• Leadership & Professional Skills
  Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional technical teams in a fast-paced environment
  Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building, and problem-solving skills
  Strong program management capabilities with experience managing complex technical projects
  Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to executive leadership
  Experience with budget planning, resource allocation, and personnel development

Security Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance appropriate to the position
Willingness to travel up to 25% as required to support program needs during environmental test and launch campaigns

Working Environment

• Primary work location – Louisville, CO with some on person support in Centennial, CO

• May require occasional extended hours to support critical test operations

• Fast-paced environment requiring adaptability and decisive leadership during critical test phases

Compensation

Pay Range: $177,838.00 - $244,526.50

Important Notice

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.