Technical Director, Off-Planet Systems & Space Robotics

ICON•Austin, TX

About The Position

As the Technical Director of Off-Planet Systems & Space Robotics, you will own and lead ICON’s off-planet robotics, construction, and materials initiatives across hardware, electrical, software, material science, R&D, and operations. This is a highly strategic and execution-driven leadership role, partnering closely with program management, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to scale ICON’s space robotics and extraterrestrial construction capabilities. You will shape the long-term technical vision, infrastructure, and execution strategy for ICON’s off-planet programs—driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustained market leadership in autonomous construction beyond Earth.

Requirements

B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
15+ years of relevant industry experience, with demonstrated focus on off-planet systems, lunar environments, materials, and/or space robotic systems.
Proven experience developing multiple products that have achieved space flight or off-planet deployment.
Demonstrated success building and leading senior-level technical and engineering teams.
Strong systems engineering expertise with experience managing complex, multidisciplinary systems.
Excellent interpersonal, executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills.
Experience with autonomous and teleoperated robotic systems in remote or extreme environments.

Nice To Haves

M.S. or advanced degree in Robotics, Systems Engineering, Material Science, or a related technical field.
Experience with spaceflight-rated software systems and software quality processes.
Experience with spaceflight-rated hardware, verification & validation (V&V), and mission-critical systems.
10+ years of experience developing and shipping real-time embedded and electro-mechanical systems to end customers (ideally in the space industry).
Experience with networked and distributed systems.
Strong understanding of autonomy, robotics, and system-level architectural frameworks.

Responsibilities

Serve as the extreme owner of ICON’s off-planet systems and space robotics outputs across engineering, R&D, material science, and operations.
Lead and scale multidisciplinary teams spanning robotics, autonomous systems, material science, and construction technologies.
Partner closely with program management to execute complex, high-risk, multi-disciplinary initiatives.
Interface with executive leadership, internal stakeholders, customers, and government partners to align technical strategy with business objectives.
Build, operate, and continuously evolve a state-of-the-art research and operations facility supporting off-planet robotics and construction programs.
Establish and maintain strategic relationships with industry leaders, space agencies, vendors, and critical contractors.
Develop long-term R&D roadmaps and strategic plans, including resourcing, budgeting, and technical investment priorities.
Provide broad technical and strategic guidance to VP- and C-level leadership on off-planet business objectives, anticipating market, regulatory, and technological factors influencing medium- and long-term success.
Lead groups, divisions, and product teams with full accountability for delivery, performance, and outcomes.
Oversee and integrate all off-planet initiatives, developing new methods and approaches to solve company-wide technical and operational challenges in space robotics and autonomous construction.