Project Engineer - Spacecraft

Engineering Irvine, California


Description

Summary 
Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.
Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Project Engineer - Spacecraft to join our growing team. Reporting to the  Vice President Engineering - Spacecraft   the Project Engineer - Spacecraft you will play a pivotal role in leading the ‘concept to production’ design, development, and integration for our spacecraft. This role requires a blend of engineering expertise, project management skills, and a passion for space technology.
 
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead the technical planning, development, and implementation of spacecraft systems.
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including systems engineering, flight software, mechanical, thermal, and structural departments, to ensure project objectives are met.
  • Develop and maintain technical project documentation, including specifications, schedules, and progress reports.
  • Manage technical risks and opportunities, implementing mitigation strategies as necessary.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company protocols.
  • Facilitate communication between project stakeholders, including internal teams and stakeholders.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff.
  • Participate in design reviews, testing, and validation activities.
  • Support and lead the operations, strategy, and tactical activities in support of technical execution across multiple projects.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.
Qualifications and Skills
  • Strong communication, interpersonal and team-building skills, must be able to lead and motivate cross-functional teams as well as have proven experience successfully working across organizational boundaries.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (i.e., Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace or related degree) or Business with experience leading engineering teams.
  • 5+ years of experience in leadership
  • Proven track record of managing complex technical projects with cross-functional teams to deliver on time and high-quality engineering.
  • Strong understanding of spacecraft design principles, manufacturing processes, and testing methodologies.
  • Familiarity with engineering tools and project management software.
  • Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Proven ability to present strategic and technical information effectively.
  • Must be a proactive, self-motivated individual with a high level of attention to detail.
  • Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with a keen attention to detail and a focus on delivering high-quality solutions.
Additional Differentiators
  • Satellite, mission operations, or tangential aerospace domain experience.
  • Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor a high-performing technical team.
  • Professional certification in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2).
  • Experience with agile development methodologies.
  • Knowledge of industry-specific software and systems (e.g.., Jira, Microsoft Project, Manufacturo).
 Benefits
  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • Employee Equity Incentive Program
  • 401(k) Match
  • Unlimited PTO
Salary Range $130,000-$180,000
Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer equity for each employee, 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!
About Terran Orbital 
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com
Physical Demands
An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.
Work Environment
The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.
Disclaimers
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.
Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].