Lead Payload Engineer, Space Missions & Mission Design

Vochure; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Antares is seeking a senior technical leader to drive payload concept development from ideation to prototyping. You will create simulation tools, validate mission concepts, and coordinate with mission architects to ensure cohesive integration of nuclear and non-nuclear space vehicles.

You will engage with DoD/DOE and government sponsors, lead cross‑functional teams, and drive critical trade‑offs and licensing programs to bring payload concepts to market.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in an engineering discipline or physics is required.
• 10+ years of technical experience; 5+ years in a leadership role on a project or research team.
• Experience with DoD, DOE, and Intelligence Community procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of technical product development for Antares payloads from ideation to prototyping.
• Build simulation tools and models; integrate concepts with Mission Architect for holistic missions.
• Propose development programs to DOD, NASA, IC and DOE funding sources.
• Conduct market research on use cases and operational concepts for payload systems.
• Develop processes around licensing technologies from USG and National Laboratories.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure end-to-end mission success and deliverables.
• Plan and drive reviews to align engineering teams with external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Systems engineering

Project management

Communication

Space domain knowledge

First principles

Education

PhD or Master’s in engineering or physics

Job description

Antares is seeking a senior technical leader to drive payload concept development from ideation to prototyping. You will create simulation tools, validate mission concepts, and coordinate with mission architects to ensure cohesive integration of nuclear and non-nuclear space vehicles.

You will engage with DoD/DOE and government sponsors, lead cross‑functional teams, and drive critical trade‑offs and licensing programs to bring payload concepts to market.