Head of Mechanical Design - Aerospace Propulsion

ExoTerra Resource LLC; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ExoTerra Resource LLC, a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems, seeks a Mechanical Design Engineering Manager to lead the mechanical design organization across propulsion and spacecraft programs. You will guide strategy, standards, and execution to meet performance, reliability, mass, and cost targets.

The role requires extensive aerospace experience, strong leadership, and collaboration with customers and executive leadership.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in mechanical design for aerospace, spacecraft, or high-reliability systems.
• 5+ years of experience managing engineering teams, including hiring, performance management, and development.
• Familiarity with NASA, DoD, MIL-STD, and commercial spaceflight requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Mechanical Design Engineering department (structures, mechanisms, propulsion hardware).
• Set department objectives and execute strategic plans for the Mechanical Design organization.
• Manage department budget, resource allocation, and capacity planning across all programs.
• Hire, develop, and retain top mechanical design talent; conduct performance reviews.
• Establish mechanical design standards, processes, and best practices for quality and consistency.
• Oversee technical execution of designs across propulsion and spacecraft programs.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

Aerospace engineering

Budget management

Team development

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

CAD/PLM tools

Job description

ExoTerra Resource LLC, a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems, seeks a Mechanical Design Engineering Manager to lead the mechanical design organization across propulsion and spacecraft programs. You will guide strategy, standards, and execution to meet performance, reliability, mass, and cost targets.

The role requires extensive aerospace experience, strong leadership, and collaboration with customers and executive leadership.