Chief Spacecraft Engineer

Oligo Security; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Oligo is seeking a Chief Spacecraft Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations of ESPA-class spacecraft. The role combines hands-on leadership with strategic oversight across the complete lifecycle, from concept through mission end-of-life.

The ideal candidate will guide a multidisciplinary team, ensure schedule and budget adherence, and maintain strong interfaces with launch providers and customers in a fast-paced startup-like environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or STEM field; advanced degrees preferred.
• 3+ years spacecraft engineering experience, including flight-proven development.
• Experience in both established aerospace organizations and startups preferred.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong technical project management with ownership of hardware programs.
• Proven track record delivering spacecraft programs that meet schedule and cost targets.
• Working knowledge of NASA and SpaceX spacecraft requirements and launch integration processes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical leader and chief engineer for custom ESPA-class satellite programs.
• Lead spacecraft architecture, design reviews, risk management, and technical decision-making.
• Oversee all phases of spacecraft development: requirements, system design, AI&T, environmental testing, launch integration, and mission operations.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team of spacecraft, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers.
• Drive program execution to meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Interface with launch providers, government agencies, suppliers, and customers.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Systems engineering

Spacecraft design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Physics/STEM

Tools

NASA standards

SpaceX requirements

Launch integration

Job description

Chief Spacecraft Engineer

Oligo is building a manufacturing-in-the-loop foundation model to automate spacecraft design and production worldwide. Our approach allows customers to focus entirely on their own technology and mission objectives, while we handle everything, from design and manufacturing to launch and operations. Leveraging cutting edge AI-driven generative design and automated manufacturing, our ex-MIT, Harvard, and NASA JPL team work to create the most advanced payload-specific spacecraft at scale in weeks over months. With world-class advisors on our board, and fresh funding from top investors like Lux Capital, we’re always on the lookout for exceptional builders, fast learners, and ambitious engineers. Whether your passion lies in spacecraft systems, avionics, ML/AI, or advanced manufacturing, you’ll be collaborating across disciplines on real missions that fly, perform in orbit, and scale internationally. We pair world-class AI/ML talent with top-tier satellite engineers under one roof to reimagine how space systems are built, starting from first principles. No bureaucracy. No legacy thinking.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Spacecraft Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations of next-generation ESPA-class spacecraft. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the complete spacecraft lifecycle, from concept development through mission end-of-life. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with proven engineering leadership and program execution experience. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of talented engineers in a fast-paced environment focused on delivering high-performance spacecraft on aggressive schedules and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical leader and chief engineer for custom ESPA-class satellite programs.

• Lead spacecraft architecture, design reviews, risk management, and technical decision-making.

• Oversee all phases of spacecraft development, including:

  • Requirements definition

  • System design and analysis

  • Assembly, integration, and test (AI&T)

  • Environmental qualification testing

  • Launch integration

  • Mission operations

• Manage and mentor a high-performing team of spacecraft, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers.

• Drive program execution to meet or exceed cost, schedule, performance, and delivery objectives.

• Interface with launch providers, government agencies, suppliers, and customers.

• Ensure compliance with applicable NASA, SpaceX, and industry standards.

• Lead anomaly investigations, root-cause analysis, and mission assurance activities.

• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related STEM field (Master's or PhD preferred).

• 3+ years of spacecraft engineering experience, including flight-proven spacecraft development.

• Experience in both established aerospace organizations and high-growth startup environments preferred.

• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Strong technical project management experience with ownership of complex hardware programs.

• Proven track record of delivering spacecraft programs that exceed schedule, performance, and cost objectives.

• Working knowledge of NASA and SpaceX spacecraft requirements and launch integration processes.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Technical Expertise

Strong working knowledge across the full spacecraft lifecycle, including:

• Spacecraft systems engineering

• Mechanical design and structures

• Electrical power systems

• Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS)

• RF communications and payload integration

• Environmental testing and qualification

• Ground systems and mission operations

• Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T)

• Harnessing and avionics integration

• Launch vehicle interfaces and ride-share missions

Leadership Attributes

• Inspires and motivates teams across all experience levels.

• Creates a positive, collaborative, and high-performance engineering culture.

• Balances strategic vision with hands-on execution.

• Thrives in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments.

• Demonstrates exceptional listening, communication, and decision-making skills.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to shape the future of space missions by leading the development of innovative spacecraft from concept through launch and operations. You will have direct influence on mission success, technical strategy, and the growth of a world-class engineering organization.