Lead Vehicle Systems Engineer

Lead Vehicle Systems Engineer Build the Future of In-Space ManufacturingAustin, TX | Seed Stage Space Startup | Significant EquityThis role is officially titled CTO but will start of as more of a Lead Systems Engineer.The business is currently around 10 people but well backed financially, has already build and launched hardware and has paying customers!We don't need a Senior manager who's not build hardware.We don't need someone who's only ever worked in big organisations.We need a strong Senior/Lead engineer who owns spacecraft/vehicle engineering and maybe runs a small teamSome who's a do-er, still hands on but confident enough to lead and from a start-up/NewSpace backgroundYou may currently be a:Chief EngineerDeputy Chief EngineerPrincipal EngineerLead Spacecraft EngineerVehicle Engineering LeadProgram Chief EngineerEngineering Manager leading a highly technical teamWhat matters most is that you've delivered real hardware, led critical technical decisions and understand what it takes to build systems that operate in space.The CompanyOur client is a venture-backed space startup building the infrastructure required to make commercial manufacturing in orbit scalable.The company is developing autonomous orbital manufacturing platforms, robotics systems and space logistics capabilities designed to unlock entirely new industrial applications in microgravity.They have already secured customers, demonstrated technology, won NASA recognition and are preparing for significant growth.This is a rare opportunity to combine technical leadership, company building and hands-on engineering.You will:Be from a New Space company backgroundOwn technical strategy and system architectureDrive major engineering decisions across the companyWork directly with the founder and leadership teamBuild and scale the engineering organisationHelp shape future fundraising and growth plansRemain deeply involved in engineering execution and product developmentThis is not a role for someone looking to step away from engineering.We are looking for a builder.Ideal BackgroundWe are particularly interested in candidates from companies such as:SpaceX, Anduril, Firefly Aerospace, Vast, Rocket Lab, Millennium Space Systems, True Anomaly, Astranis, Apex, Impulse Space, Redwire, Axiom Space, Loft Orbital, Castelion, York Space or similar high-performance aerospace environments.You have:Led development of flight hardware or mission-critical systemsTaken products from concept through launch, deployment or operationBuilt credibility across multiple engineering disciplinesInfluenced technical direction beyond your immediate teamBalanced engineering rigor with execution speedWhy Join?Employee #10Significant equity participationDirect influence on company strategyOpportunity to build a category-defining space businessWork alongside experienced founders, investors and customersHelp define the future of industrial activity in spaceCompensation: Up to $350,000 base salary plus significant equity participation.Location: El Segundo, OnsiteRequirements: U.S. Person status required due to export control regulations.