Lead Engineer, Integration and Test
About The Position
Outpost is pioneering Earth return logistics for space. We're building vehicles that can return payloads from orbit safely and precisely enabling faster space-based manufacturing, global delivery, and entirely new capabilities in the space economy. Our spacecraft is already backed by the U.S. government with multiple missions ahead. We're a mission-focused team, building with urgency, grit, and care for the work we do and the people we do it with. The Team We're looking for a Lead Engineer, Integration and Test to own assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) for Outpost's return vehicles. This role leads test campaigns end to end from planning through flight readiness and leads a small team of engineers and technicians executing that work. You'll partner closely with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams to resolve cross-discipline issues, and you'll help build the AI&T processes and tooling Outpost needs as it scales.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- 6+ years of experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle integration and test
- Proven experience leading test campaigns from planning through flight readiness
- Strong understanding of environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, acoustic)
- Experience developing test procedures, anomaly resolution, and test reporting
- Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior engineers and technicians
- Comfortable working hands-on in a machine shop/lab environment alongside leading strategy
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with reusable or return vehicles specifically
- Experience with proof and acceptance test campaigns
- Program or test management experience
Responsibilities
- Own the integration and test strategy for the return vehicle, from component-level bring-up through full-vehicle qualification
- Lead a small team of engineers and technicians executing AI&T
- Develop and execute test procedures, including environmental and functional test campaigns
- Drive anomaly investigation and resolution during integration and test
- Coordinate with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams to resolve cross-discipline issues
- Own test documentation and support flight readiness reviews
- Help build and refine AI&T processes and tooling as the company scales
Benefits
- Competitive Compensation: $160 - $220k annual salary, based on experience and equity component
- Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
- Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental.
- Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
- Paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
- 401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
- Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
- Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
- Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
- Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more!
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
