Contract Space Systems Lead Engineer

Redwire; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwire is seeking a Contract Staff Project Engineer in Goleta, CA to lead the technical execution of complex space hardware from concept through delivery. You will drive systems-level design, development, evaluation, and refinement across the product lifecycle while mentoring as a technical leader in long-range planning and emerging technology development.

The role requires 8+ years in aerospace hardware, CAD/PDM proficiency, and experience with space mechanisms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in designing, developing, manufacturing, and testing production hardware.
• Proven systems-level engineering experience and prior leadership of technical teams.
• Experience with space mechanism design and aerospace guidelines.
• Proficiency in CAD and PDM systems.
• Strong drafting knowledge and understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance analysis.
• Experience preparing and presenting technical updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis processes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for assigned programs or project teams, ensuring scope, schedule, resources, and budget remain aligned.
• Maintain technical integrity throughout all phases of a project and act as the primary point of technical escalation and resolution.
• Translate product development strategies into system‑level requirements and coordinate with engineering disciplines to develop detailed lower‑level specifications.
• Lead design reviews and develop or review verification plans, validation procedures, and customer acceptance test procedures.
• Generate, review, and present all required project documentation.
• Develop system‑level requirements, verification procedures, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure requirements traceability and verification through successful test execution.
• Assess system performance using evaluation criteria, analyses, and technical performance measures.
• Participate in or lead non‑conformance investigations and disposition activities.
• Serve as a technical liaison with customers and support business development activities as needed.
• Provide guidance to internal teams at the brand, program, and project levels.
• Establish and coordinate standards, practices, and procedures related to product development and engineering excellence.
• Partner with program management to ensure project execution aligns with customer expectations and internal guidelines.
• Control project costs through effective resource planning and close management of system‑level decisions.
• Support both internal and customer‑facing project updates and technical presentations.
• Travel occasionally as required (approximately 10–15%), primarily local with some overnight trips.

Skills

Systems-level engineering

Technical leadership

CAD

PDM

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Technical updates

Space mechanism design

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

Thermal Desktop

NASTRAN

ANSYS

PDM Pro

MS Project

Job description

Redwire is seeking a Contract Staff Project Engineer in Goleta, CA to lead the technical execution of complex space hardware from concept through delivery. You will drive systems-level design, development, evaluation, and refinement across the product lifecycle while mentoring as a technical leader in long-range planning and emerging technology development.

The role requires 8+ years in aerospace hardware, CAD/PDM proficiency, and experience with space mechanisms.