Chief Engineer – Viper

Gravitics•Marysville, WA

1d•$190,000 - $230,000

About The Position

You will own the technical development of Viper OTX â our high-thrust, high delta-V, kick stage stored on orbit to enable responsive space solutions. This vehicle enables unique missions from intra-LEO to deep space, serving our commercial customers, the US, and its allies. You will work across every engineering discipline and every aspect of the programâincluding manufacturing, integration & test, and mission operationsâto ensure customer success.This role requires a highly effective technical leader with a broad range of knowledge,strong development experience, commitment to technical excellence, and pragmatic decision making.

Requirements

Bachelorâs degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Software Engineering or similar.
Demonstrated past ownership of complex projects.
Ability to understand and drive from first principles.
Deep understanding of several rocketvehicle disciplines.
Familiarity with ground support systems.
Comfort working in fast-paced environments.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Successful candidates typically have 10-15 years of experience in launch vehicle and/or spacecraft development or operations.

Nice To Haves

A proven history of success in launch vehicles or in-space propulsion systems.
Prior experience working with Commercial, NASA, and DOD customers.
Strong familiarity with SMC-S-016, SMC-S-025, and various qualification and protoqualification approaches.
Experience with rocket vehicle materials and manufacturing processes.
Prior involvement in rocket stage test or launch operations.
Deep knowledge in any of the following:
Mission / Trajectory design for GEO and Deep Space solution sets
GNC considerations for high-thrust liquid stages
Familiarity in design and handling of kerosene and high-test peroxide systems
Combustion devices, turbomachinery, stage pressurization, valves and fluid components
Willingness to travel up to 25% time to supplier, customer, test, and launch sites.

Responsibilities

Lead technical and programmatic execution of a highly capable kick stage.
Instill technical rigor in all we do while maintaining a sense of urgency to meet business goals.
Own the successful delivery of a capable product.
Evaluate new use casesand mission sets in conjunction with our other portfolio products and customers.
Align vehicle roadmaps to manufacturing development efforts, broader portfolio capabilities, and business goals.
Direct multidisciplinary teams and engage in the smallest detail.
Recognize and fill technical skill gaps as necessary.
Identify, preempt, and solve issues that threaten the program.
Clearly communicate technical concepts and programmatic elements to your team, colleagues, executive leadership, and customers.
Ensure mission success.