Spacecraft Technical Project Lead

Protingent; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Protingent is seeking a Spacecraft Technical Project Lead based in Los Angeles for a direct-hire opportunity. You will lead end-to-end spacecraft development from concept through assembly, test, launch and operations.

You will coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams, manage schedules and budgets, and mentor engineers to deliver robust space systems. ITAR compliance and strong leadership are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Lead spacecraft development from conceptual design through final assembly, testing, launch, and operations.
• Oversee AI&T activities to meet mission requirements and schedules.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize designs.
• Support launch integration with providers ensuring readiness.
• Collaborate with R&D to integrate new technologies into spacecraft design.
• Provide engineering leadership and mentorship to teams.
• Ensure objectives meet time and budget constraints.
• Communicate with stakeholders to align on technical goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall development of spacecraft from conceptual design through final assembly, testing, launch, and operations.
• Lead spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) to ensure compliance with mission requirements and timelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and optimize design solutions.
• Support launch integration activities, including interfacing with launch providers and ensuring all spacecraft systems are launch-ready.
• Work closely with the research & development team to integrate cutting edge technological advancements into spacecraft design and development.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with stakeholders to ensure that all technical objectives are met on time and within budget.
• Communicate and coordinate with suppliers to ensure deliverables are consistent with technical, budgetary, and schedule objectives.

Skills

Spacecraft design

AI&T

Launch integration

Orbital mechanics

Ground segments

Systems engineering leadership

Collaborative teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Job description

Position Title

Spacecraft Technical Project Lead

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the overall development of spacecraft from conceptual design through final assembly, testing, launch, and operations.


• Lead spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) to ensure compliance with mission requirements and timelines.


• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and optimize design solutions.


• Support launch integration activities, including interfacing with launch providers and ensuring all spacecraft systems are launch-ready.


• Work closely with the research & development team to integrate cutting edge technological advancements into spacecraft design and development.


• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.


• Work closely with stakeholders to ensure that all technical objectives are met on time and within budget.


• Communicate and coordinate with suppliers to ensure deliverables are consistent with technical, budgetary, and schedule objectives.

Job Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.


• Extensive experience in spacecraft design, with a deep understanding of spacecraft systems and subsystems.


• Proven track record in spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T).


• Understanding of space mission ground segments, including command and control systems.


• Experience with launch integration, including coordination with launch service providers.


• Familiarity with orbital mechanics, spacecraft communications systems, and ground segments.


• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.


• Strong communication and leadership abilities, with a focus on collaboration and team development.

Desired Job Qualifications

• End to end program leadership experience with rapid on-orbit tech demo missions.


• Understanding of EMC/EMI testing and design considerations for spacecraft.


• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field.


• Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, C++, or MATLAB) and space system /mission modeling.

Job Details

• Job Type: Direct Hire


• Location: Los Angeles, CA


• Salary Range: $130K-170K


• ITAR obligations are associated with this role, U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a) (1), (3) is required.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.