Director of Space Vehicle Engineering

ispace, inc. is a global lunar resource development company with the vision, “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” specializing in designing and building lunar landers and rovers. ispace aims to extend the sphere of human life into space and create a sustainable world by providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon. The company has offices in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States and is growing rapidly. ispace Technologies U.S., based in Englewood, Colorado, focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers.

With locations in the U.S., Japan, and Europe, ispace is positioned to be a global leader in the exploration and development of the moon. Let's go to the moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively looking for great people to join the ispace mission.

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Director of Space Vehicle Engineering with a strong background in multi-faceted space vehicle design and analysis to lead and oversee our engineering teams. This role will specifically manage our Structures, Analysis, RF Communications, Thermal, Electrical Power Systems, and Mechanisms groups. The Director will play a critical role in the successful development and deployment of our lunar exploration spacecraft, ensuring that our designs meet the rigorous demands of our space missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative culture emphasizing excellence and continuous improvement in engineering best practices.
• Mentor and develop team members, enhancing their technical expertise.
• Lead the design, development, and optimization of spacecraft structural components and assemblies.
• Oversee structural analysis efforts, including stress analysis, vibration analysis, and thermal stress considerations.
• Ensure structural designs comply with aerospace standards, safety regulations, and mission requirements.
• Utilize advanced engineering tools and software for finite element analysis (FEA) and computer-aided design (CAD).
• Oversee the overall vehicle design and analysis along with packaging of spacecraft systems such as RF communications, thermal control, and electrical power systems.
• Review and approve technical documentation, including design specifications, analysis reports, and testing procedures related to structures.
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure the feasibility and quality of structural components.
• Work with Program Managers to develop and report project timelines, budgets, and resources to meet milestones and deliverables related to the subsystems directed.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with structural design and material selection.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of structures and the other reporting subsystems with other spacecraft systems.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies that enhance our structural design capabilities and align with company goals.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies, materials, and methodologies in spacecraft structures.
• Lead initiatives to improve engineering processes, tools, and best practices in structures design and analysis.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for space vehicle engineering matters with senior management, customers, and external partners.
• Present technical briefings and updates on design progress and challenges to stakeholders.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field is required. We will consider a combination of education and related experience.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in spacecraft engineering or a related field, with significant focus on structures design and analysis
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing engineering teams.
• Proven track record in designing and delivering structural components for space vehicles or aerospace applications.
• Understanding of spacecraft structures, including lightweight materials, composites, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Proficiency in structural analysis and design software such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, SolidWorks, or similar tools.
• Knowledge of load paths, structural dynamics, fatigue analysis, and failure modes in spacecraft structures.
• Familiarity with other spacecraft systems (RF communications, thermal, EPS, mechanisms) and their interaction with structures.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail in structural integrity and safety.
• Project management skills, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Structural Engineering or a related discipline is highly preferred.
• Experience working for Aerospace/Space Prime or sub-contractor strongly preferred
• Experience in startup environment a plus

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work in a fast-paced design and development environment
• Schedule may vary depending on program development needs; flexibility required
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary based upon experience - $165,000-$225,000. The salary posted is a targeted range for budget of position.  Base compensation can be negotiated and will be commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.
• Medical/vision/dental health benefits (Some 100% company paid options available for employee only) 
• Hybrid work schedule
• Company-paid public transportation on RTD buses and light rail (RTD EcoPass) 
• Paid vacation (18 days), Sick days (6 days), Holidays (14 paid holidays)
• 401(k)