Chief Engineer, Components & Modules - Terran Orbital

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer – Components & Modules to join our growing team as a key member of our leadership team. The Chief Engineer role at Terran Orbital is a critical role for the successful development of our Component & Module product line and reports to the Sr. VP of Components & Modules. You will be a key member of the leadership team that works closely with the Product Directors, technical teams and production to develop solutions, technical/cost proposals, drive affordability, fabricate, test, and certify and deliver qualified components & modules to our customers. The Chief Engineer will also provide technical leadership for the product roadmaps; engineering standards, process and tool development; incorporating best practices and lessons learned across the products.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• This position is expected to be 100% onsite at the Irvine, CA site.
• Hands-on leader, willing to jump in and work with the team to achieve project goals
• Develop strategic technology/system roadmaps and plans for Spacecraft components and modules
• Establish Lifecycle Best Practices, Frameworks, Guidelines, Standards, Processes and tools
• Lead Engineering and Failure Review Boards
• Maintain working knowledge of industry engineering practices, tools, and trends
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to the engineering teams
• Guide architecture trades to search and find balanced technical, schedule and cost solutions for our products
• Responsible for reviewing project planning, resource management, and product reviews
• Oversee phase gate design reviews to provide technical insight while ensuring rigor in the design process
• Support Independent Non-Advocate Reviews for Projects, Programs, and Missions to ensure business, customer, and supplier success
• Develop and implement knowledge capture and transfer
• Participate and lead the technical discussions with customers and suppliers to ensure mission success

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field is required, Advanced degree or master's a plus
• 10+ years of experience in product development engineering
• 5+ years of aerospace leadership experience working as a chief engineer
• Experience in spacecraft system or module product development and operations
• Experience in new product development of spacecraft systems & modules with waterfall and/or agile methodologies
• Working knowledge of Spacecraft modules including flight computers, reaction wheels, torque rods, IMUs, power systems, structure, radios/antenna, payload systems, etc.
• Experience in the development and qualification of space-based electronics. Experience with design & development of PCBs a plus.
• Demonstrated ability in identifying sales opportunities and capturing business opportunities
• Experience with hands-on full life cycle experience, including concept development, design reviews, manufacturing and AIT, operations, and anomaly investigations
• Highly developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to successfully multi-task across portfolio demands
• Per the requirement of certain Terran Orbital facilities, the applicant must be eligible to obtain and maintain a US TS/SCI Security Clearance and all unique accesses required to work at such facilities

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Unlimited PTO

Salary Range $180,000 - 280,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with US Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.