Stage 1 Lead Engineer

Cowboy Space • Kent, WA

17h

About The Position

Cowboy Space Corporation is building modular, scalable satellites and launch infrastructure to provide space-based solar energy, on-orbit computing, and optical data transport. The company is based in San Carlos, California, and its team includes people with experience at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, Astranis, and NASA.

The Stage 1 Lead Engineer will serve as the Responsible Engineer for the reusable first stage of Cowboy Space’s launch vehicle, owning the stage lifecycle from architecture and design through assembly, integrated testing, launch, recovery, and refurbishment. The role serves as chief engineer, program manager, and lead systems engineer for the stage, leading an integrated team across propulsion, structures, mechanical, fluids, avionics, GNC, software, and test disciplines. The position works closely with engine, upper stage, manufacturing, test, and launch operations teams, and reports to the Head of Launch & Propulsion.

The successful candidate must be able to stay focused, move quickly, work independently, and learn as needed. Applicants must meet U.S. export-control requirements: be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Requirements

• 10 or more years of experience in the design, build, integration, or test of launch vehicles, rocket stages, or similarly complex aerospace flight systems.
• Demonstrated experience on one or more development programs through a significant portion of the lifecycle, from concept through development, qualification, flight, or sustained operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and integrate technical contributors across propulsion, structures, mechanical, fluids, avionics, GNC, and software disciplines.
• Strong practical knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals, including requirements, interfaces, verification, and risk and margin management, applied in a fast-paced development program.
• Exceptional command of fundamentals in structures and loads, fluid systems, thermodynamics, cryogenics, flight dynamics, and control systems.
• Experience with integrated stage- or vehicle-level testing, such as pressure or proof testing, cryogenic loading, static fire, or equivalent.
• Strong data analysis and data reduction skills, including using test and flight data to assess vehicle health and performance.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, and integration of flight hardware.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and ability to follow, with a history of excellent written and verbal communication and team-building.
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as the responsible engineer, chief engineer, or technical lead for a launch vehicle stage or other major flight system.
• Experience with reusable launch vehicles, including recovery, inspection, refurbishment, and recertification of flown hardware.
• Experience with LNG/methane or other cryogenic propellant systems, including tanks, feed and pressurization systems, and ground support equipment.
• Familiarity with launch operations, range safety, and flight termination systems.
• Experience with vehicle-level analyses, including trajectory and performance, mass properties, loads, and GNC for powered descent and landing.
• Experience with CAD tools and configuration management, such as Siemens NX/Teamcenter or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Own the Stage 1 program from architecture and design through flight, recovery, and reflight.
• Define Stage 1 architecture, conceptual design, and stage-level requirements in coordination with owners of the engine, upper stage, ground systems, and other launch system elements.
• Define and manage subsystem requirements and interfaces for propulsion, structures, fluids, avionics, GNC, and recovery, including the engine-to-stage interface.
• Track stage technical performance, mass, margins, and risk throughout the design cycle; manage changes to requirements and interfaces and mediate technical disagreements between subsystems.
• Define and manage the Stage 1 program schedule and budget.
• Lead stage assembly, integration, and integrated test campaigns, including cryogenic proof and static fire testing, with manufacturing and test engineers.
• Define the verification and qualification plan for stage and subsystem requirements and manage its execution.
• Develop stage operating procedures and operational limits in coordination with engine, test stand, and launch operations teams.
• Participate in test and launch operations and make real-time engineering decisions regarding technical risks.
• Drive design-for-reuse decisions, including recovery loads and environments, inspection intervals, life-limited parts, refurbishment procedures, and acceptance criteria for reflown stages.
• Own the stage upgrade plan for improved reliability, rapid turnaround, and faster production, deriving upgrade scope and timelines.

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance enrollment for employees and eligible dependents.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off.
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year.
• Paid parental leave.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior