Lead Engineer, Space Return Vehicle AI&T

Outpost; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Equity

Healthcare

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

401(k) match

Lunch stipend

Snacks & beverages

Pet-friendly office

Company events

Job summary

Outpost is building spacecraft to return payloads from orbit, backed by U.S. government support.

We seek a Lead Engineer, Integration and Test to own AI&T for the return vehicle, directing end-to-end test campaigns and leading a small team to work with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams. You will drive test procedures, anomaly resolution, and test reporting, while influencing AI&T processes as the company scales.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years in spacecraft or launch vehicle integration and test.
• Experience leading test campaigns from planning to flight readiness.
• Strong environmental testing knowledge (vibration, thermal vacuum, acoustic).
• Experience developing test procedures, anomaly resolution, and test reporting.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor junior engineers and technicians.

Responsibilities

• Own the integration and test strategy for the return vehicle.
• Lead a small team of engineers and technicians.
• Develop and execute environmental and functional test campaigns.
• Drive anomaly investigation and resolution during integration and test.
• Coordinate with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams to resolve cross-discipline issues.
• Own test documentation and support flight readiness reviews.
• Help build and refine AI&T processes and tooling as the company scales.

Skills

Test leadership

Mentorship

Hands-on lab

Cross-functional

Test procedures

Education

Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Eng. degree

Job description

Outpost is building spacecraft to return payloads from orbit, backed by U.S. government support.

We seek a Lead Engineer, Integration and Test to own AI&T for the return vehicle, directing end-to-end test campaigns and leading a small team to work with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams. You will drive test procedures, anomaly resolution, and test reporting, while influencing AI&T processes as the company scales.