Stage 1 Lead Engineer - Reusable Rocketry

Cowboy Space Corporation; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 216,000 - 236,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

10 paid holidays per year

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corporation is seeking a Stage 1 Lead to own the reusable first stage lifecycle, acting as chief engineer and program manager from architecture through refurbishment. You will guide an integrated team across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC and software to deliver flight-proven, rapidly reusable stages.

The role reports to the Head of Launch & Propulsion and requires 10+ years in aerospace with hands-on design, testing and leadership experience.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in design, build, integration or test of launch vehicles or similar flight systems.
• Experience leading multi-discipline teams across propulsion, structures, electronics, and software.
• Strong systems engineering fundamentals applied in fast-paced programs.

Responsibilities

• Own Stage 1 program from architecture to flight, recovery and reflight.
• Define architecture, requirements, interfaces with engine, upper stage and ground systems.
• Lead stage assembly, integration and test campaigns with manufacturing and test teams.
• Develop verification plans and operating procedures for Stage 1 and subsystems.
• Drive reuse decisions and upgrade plans for reliability and rapid turnaround.

Skills

Launch vehicle design

Systems engineering

Leadership

Team integration

Flight test

Propulsion knowledge

GNC & software

Cryogenics

Education

Bachelor's in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

Siemens NX/Teamcenter

Job description

Cowboy Space Corporation is seeking a Stage 1 Lead to own the reusable first stage lifecycle, acting as chief engineer and program manager from architecture through refurbishment. You will guide an integrated team across propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC and software to deliver flight-proven, rapidly reusable stages.

The role reports to the Head of Launch & Propulsion and requires 10+ years in aerospace with hands-on design, testing and leadership experience.