R&D Engineer

Lunar Outpost; Golden (CO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off

401(k) with match

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Lunar Outpost is seeking an R&D Engineer to contribute to our mission in a startup environment. The role spans lab work, customer engagement, and proposal writing for capture and contracting in aerospace and DoD sectors.

As part of a team working on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle, you will develop end-to-end engineering for small programs tied to capture efforts, engage with customers, attend conferences, and help shape our business strategy in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM field required.
• 3+ years of experience performing contract capture in Aerospace/DoD.
• Knowledge of the RFP process.
• Deep knowledge of the aerospace and/or technology industries and market.
• Ability to independently develop skills to fill gaps in R&D program engineering.
• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• U.S. Person required.

Responsibilities

• Perform market and customer research to inform business strategy.
• Track open solicitations, their total value, submission requirements, and key customers.
• Lead and support capture efforts to secure new contracts, recompete existing contracts, and maintain positive business relationships. This includes writing proposals and submitting bids to NASA, the DoD, and private companies to secure new contracts, payload service agreements, and partnerships related to our lunar rover and mobility platforms.
• Collaborate with industry partners, stakeholders, decision makers, customers, and internal personnel to enhance the probability of capture success.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to business development processes and related areas to make future success more likely.
• Perform end-to-end engineering work for small research and development programs as they relate to capture efforts.
• Attend conferences and workshops to socialize new business concepts with potential customers.

Skills

Contract capture

RFP process knowledge

Proposal writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

CAD

Machining basics

Soldering

Microcontroller software

Vacuum chamber testing

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a R&D Engineer to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. This role is for a true generalist, capable in the lab, in front of customers, and writing proposals behind the scenes.

Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!

Working Conditions / Schedule

This position is required to be onsite Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where applicable, employees may work remotely on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform market and customer research to inform business strategy
• Track open solicitations, their total value, submission requirements, and key customers
• Lead and support capture efforts to secure new contracts, recompete existing contracts, and maintain positive business relationships. This includes writing proposals and submitting bids to NASA, the DoD, and private companies to secure new contracts, payload service agreements, and partnerships related to our lunar rover and mobility platforms.
• Collaborate with industry partners, stakeholders, decision makers, customers, and internal personnel to enhance the probability of capture success.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to business development processes and related areas to make future success more likely
• Perform end-to-end engineering work for small research and development programs as they relate to capture efforts
• Attend conferences and workshops to socialize new business concepts with potential customers

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field
• 3+ years of experience performing contract capture in the Aerospace and/or DoD field
• Prior knowledge and experience in the RFP process
• Deep knowledge of the aerospace and/or technology industries and market
• Ability to independently develop skills to fill gaps in R&D program engineering
• Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing contact network in NASA and/or DoD
• Cross-functional skill set, including but not limited to: CAD, basic machining, soldering, microcontroller software development, and vacuum chamber test experience
• Research program documentation and report writing experience

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
• Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
• Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
• Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
• Parental leave
• Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.