Stage 1 Lead Engineer

Cowboy Space Corp.

2d • $216,000 - $236,000

About The Position

The Stage 1 Lead Engineer is the Responsible Engineer for Cowboy Space’s reusable launch-vehicle first stage and owns its lifecycle from architecture and design through assembly, integrated test, 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. The Stage 1 Lead works closely with the engine, upper-stage, manufacturing, test, and launch-operations teams to deliver a flight-proven, rapidly reusable stage. The role reports to the Head of Launch & Propulsion.

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, such as 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, in a fast-paced development program.
• Exceptional command of fundamentals including 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.
• Ability to lead and follow, with a demonstrated history of excellent written and verbal communication and team-building.
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or equivalent.
• Must 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 to comply with ITAR export-control requirements.

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 such as 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, with support from 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 with engine, test-stand, and launch-operations teams.
• Participate in test and launch operations and make real-time engineering decisions on 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 rate, 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 office lunch and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks.

What This Job Offers

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