Engine Lead

Socket.dev; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. seeks an Engine Lead to own the engine program lifecycle from architecture to flight and refurbishment, serving as chief engineer, program manager, technical lead, and lead systems engineer.

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of propulsion, structural, mechanical, avionics, software, and test engineers to deliver a flight-proven, reusable engine that integrates with the launch system and its lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Own the engine program lifecycle from architecture to flight and refurbishment.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary propulsion, structural, mechanical, avionics, software and test team.

Responsibilities

• Own the engine program from development through flight.
• Develop engine operation procedures and limits with vehicle and test teams.
• Define and manage schedule and budget for the engine program.
• Define the overall engine lifecycle and interface with the launch system.

Skills

Engine leadership

Project management

Systems engineering

Propulsion

Leadership

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

About the Role:

As the Engine Lead you will own the execution of this entire engine program lifecycle: from architecture and design through production, test, flight, and refurbishment. You will serve as chief engineer, program manager, technical lead, and lead systems engineer. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of propulsion, structural, mechanical, avionics, software, and test engineers to deliver a flight-proven, reusable engine. You will work closely with vehicle integration, manufacturing, test, and launch operations teams as the engine integrates with the rest of the launch system and its lifecycle. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly. This role reports to the Head of Launch & Propulsion.

What You’ll Do

• Own the engine program from development through flight

• Develop engine operation procedures and operational limits in coordination with vehicle, test stand, and launch operations teams

• Define and manage schedule and budget for the engine program

• Define the