Technical Director, Off Planet Programs

ICON•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Director, Off Planet Programs will own and lead ICON’s off-planet robotics, construction, and materials initiatives across hardware, electrical, software, material science, R&D, and operations. This strategic, execution-driven leadership role works closely with program management, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to scale ICON’s space robotics and extraterrestrial construction capabilities. The role shapes the long-term technical vision, infrastructure, and execution strategy for off-planet programs, driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustained market leadership in autonomous construction beyond Earth. It is a full-time, on-site position based at ICON’s Austin, Texas headquarters campus.

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 and 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 and validation (V&V), and mission-critical systems.
10+ years of experience developing and shipping real-time embedded and electromechanical 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

Own 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 with program management to execute complex, high-risk, multidisciplinary initiatives.
Interface with executive leadership, internal stakeholders, customers, and government partners to align technical strategy with business objectives.
Build, operate, and continuously evolve a 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 technical and strategic guidance to VP- and C-level leadership on off-planet business objectives, anticipating market, regulatory, and technological factors affecting medium- and long-term success.
Lead groups, divisions, and product teams with accountability for delivery, performance, and outcomes.
Oversee and integrate off-planet initiatives, developing methods and approaches to address company-wide technical and operational challenges in space robotics and autonomous construction.