Principal Engineer - Space Focus

Rebuildmanufacturing; Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Re:Build Manufacturing is seeking a Principal Engineer - Space Focus to lead cross-functional teams on launch vehicle and spacecraft systems. You will guide projects from concept to production, applying deep engineering judgment and mentoring the team to achieve program goals.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong presentation skills, and the ability to win new opportunities in the space sector through technical proposals and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience in spaceflight or launch vehicle hardware.
• Broad technical experience in launch vehicle structures, satellites, and related systems.
• Experience guiding complex technical endeavors and mentoring engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to solve challenging engineering problems.
• Guide project execution from concept to full-scale production.
• Apply extensive technical knowledge in launch vehicle structures and spacecraft systems.
• Influence strategic decisions and drive critical outcomes.
• Collaborate with partners to ensure program success.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Launch vehicle knowledge

Systems engineering

Project leadership

Mentoring teams

Technical proposals

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Job description

At Re:Build, our mission is to ensure the next generation of important products are made, at scale, in America. We are laying the foundation for a better future for our customers, employees, and communities by revitalizing America’s manufacturing base and creating meaningful jobs across the country, including in historically deindustrialized regions. We operate an advanced, end-to-end manufacturing platform that partners with industrial companies and innovators to take products from first concept to full-scale production in critical verticals including aerospace and defense, electrification, medical, energy and environment, and robotics and automation. The way we operate is as important as the work we do. It's guided by The Re:Build Way, 16 principles that shape how we collaborate with each other, partner with our customers and vendors, and contribute to the communities where we operate. (link to The Re:Build Way principles )

Answer Engineering, a Re:Build Manufacturing company, is an exceptional engineering firm providing aerospace design and analysis services to companies around the world. The team tackles challenging engineering problems ranging from electric vertical take-off platforms (EVTOL), to space tourism. To meet the demands of our customers, Answer Engineering is embarking on building a first-class support organization to ensure the engineering team can remain focused on engineering challenges. Answer Engineering is a casual work environment where discussions take place in the open, events are frequent including company BBQs and ski trips, and our office remains stocked with a variety of snacks and beverage options. Answer Engineering reinforces the value of having a diverse workforce and promotes equity and inclusion for all employees.

Who are we looking for?

We are searching for an exceptionally skilled Principal Engineer - Space Focus with a proven track record in leading complex engineering projects. You will lead cross-functional teams in solving complex engineering challenges, guiding project execution where precedent may not exist. You will apply sound engineering judgment to evaluate procedures, influence strategic decisions, and drive program critical outcomes. This role requires a hands‑on leadership approach, mentoring team members, managing small teams, and directly contributing to technical work as needed. In addition to technical leadership, you will play a key role in business development — supporting discovery calls, contributing technical expertise to proposals, and helping win new opportunities in the space sector. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure alignment and deliver successful program results. To be successful in this role, strong presentation and communication skills are a must.

What you get to do!

• Lead cross-functional teams to solve challenging engineering problems.
• Guide project execution from concept to full-scale production.
• Apply extensive technical knowledge in launch vehicle structures and spacecraft systems.
• Influence strategic decisions and drive critical outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure program success.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience, including significant experience in the design, development, analysis, or qualification of spaceflight or launch vehicle hardware
• Demonstrated broad technical experience with launch vehicle structures and/or satellites including structure design and analysis, mechanisms, thermal management, materials and processing (M&P), avionics, propulsion, GNC, EMI/EMC, systems integration, and environmental testing and qualification, with substantial expertise in at least one of these areas and a strong working understanding of the others
• Experience supporting spaceflight hardware through multiple phases of the product lifecycle, including design, analysis, manufacturing, integration, and verification
• Strong foundation in structural mechanics, materials, analysis methods, and design principles applicable to launch and space environments
• Demonstrated systems-level engineering judgment and ability to resolve complex, multidisciplinary technical challenges involving spacecraft architecture, subsystem interfaces, and integration
• Experience defining decomposing, and managing technical requirements from high-level mission and customer objectives through subsystem, component, and process-level requirements, including traceability and verification
• Experience collaborating with suppliers and specialized component vendors to establish technical requirements, evaluate solutions, and resolve design, manufacturing, and integration challenges
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical efforts, make sound engineering decisions, and guide multidisciplinary teams
• Experience interfacing directly with customers, communicating technical recommendations, and presenting engineering findings to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders
• Proven ability to mentor engineers and provide technical leadership through influence and collaboration, with or without direct-report management responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Direct experience leading the design or development of major launch vehicle assembles, satellite bus structures, or spacecraft mechanical systems
• Experience with structural design and analysis of composite and metallic spaceflight hardware
• Experience in a startup environment
• Experience contributing to technical proposals, program capture, or the development of new engineering business opportunities
• Prior experience serving as a Chief Engineer, Principal Engineer, Technical Lead, or equivalent technical