Head of Engineering

Gravitics, Inc•Denver, CO

2d•$200,000 - $275,000

About The Position

Gravitics is seeking a Head of Engineering to lead technical execution for core hardware programs. This role involves managing a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for structures, mechanisms, propulsion, avionics, and software from concept through testing. It's a hands-on leadership position where the individual will set technical direction, support teams, and interface with executive leadership, customers, and government partners. The Head of Engineering will report to the Chief Operating Officer and play a crucial role in scaling Gravitics from prototype to flight-qualified hardware.

Requirements

10+ years in aerospace/spacecraft engineering, with 4+ years in a people-leadership role (engineering manager, director, or equivalent)
Track record shipping flight hardware spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites, or comparable complex electromechanical systems — from design through integration and test
Deep technical fluency across at least one core discipline (structures, mechanisms, propulsion, avionics, or GN&C/flight software) and working knowledge across the rest
Experience standing up or scaling engineering processes at a growing hardware company (startup or program-start experience strongly preferred)
Comfort operating with incomplete information and limited resources — this is a lean team building hard things fast
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field
U.S. Person status required due to government contract and ITAR/EAR requirements

Nice To Haves

Experience working government/defense contracts (SBIR/STTR, STRATFI, Space Force, or similar) is a strong plus
Advanced degree a plus
Ability to obtain a security clearance is a plus

Responsibilities

Own engineering execution for one or more major programs cost, schedule, technical performance, and quality from concept through delivery and flight
Build, lead, and grow multidisciplinary teams spanning mechanical/structures, propulsion, avionics, and flight software
Set technical strategy and make build-vs-buy, make-vs-partner, and architecture trade-off calls in a resource-constrained startup environment
Establish and mature engineering processes (design reviews, requirements management, configuration control, verification & validation) appropriate for human-rated and government/defense hardware
Partner closely with Manufacturing, Test, Quality, and Program Management to move designs from CAD to flight article on aggressive timelines
Represent engineering in customer and government program reviews
Recruit, mentor, and retain top engineering talent; build the technical culture and hiring bar as the team scales
Manage program risk, drive root-cause resolution on technical issues, and communicate status and trade-offs clearly to executive leadership