Senior Platform Design Engineer

About the role

You will play a pivotal role in driving the overall development and integration of our satellite bus for mission success. As a deputy program manager, you will be primarily responsible for successful K2 missions, acting both internally and with customers. You will work across engineering, production, and business development to deliver reliable flight systems on time. You will own bus-level design integration and champion technical readiness from concept through launch. In this role, you will collaborate with a highly skilled, cross-disciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and customer expectations. Our fast-paced, startup environment demands a proactive, adaptable leader who thrives in high-stakes scenarios, navigates ambiguity, and delivers results under aggressive timelines.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Develop and manage engineering and program schedule, vehicle design, critical performance trades, resource allocation, and mission success
• Strategic Development: Define bus-level milestones, requirements, and long-term objectives in collaboration with stakeholders
• Program Execution: Drive engineering and flight readiness activities to meet mission and contract commitments
• Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with engineering teams to assess vehicle readiness, manage technical changes, and mitigate risks
• Systems Development: Establish and improve engineering processes, reviews, and analysis frameworks to support K2 growth
• Design Reliability: Support internal design reviews and development ensuring adherence to requirements and high reliability
• Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving startup where agility, autonomy, and proactive problem-solving are essential

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing
• 2+ years of experience managing projects, technical trades, and/or technical teams
• Strong understanding of launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Nice to Have

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering or science discipline
• 8+ years of experience in technical aerospace or manufacturing
• 3+ years of experience managing projects or technical trades
• Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance
• Experience leading Spacecraft mission design, development, integration, test, and/or launch across multiple departments
• Proven ability to innovate in process improvement and system architectures
• Skilled in generating executive summaries to drive decision making through senior leadership discussions
• Familiarity with contracts and mission requirements evaluations
• Demonstrated track record of project ownership, responsibility for execution, and successful outcomes
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, and paid parental leave
• Many other perks

Pay

Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company. Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level.

Export Compliance: The person hired for this role must be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license, as the role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR.