Director, Satellite Engineering

Director, Satellite Engineering responsible for leading the development of a constellation-ready 15kW spacecraft bus, owning the technical execution and architecture decisions, and serving as the final technical authority for the satellite bus. You will manage and grow a multidisciplinary engineering team (electronics, thermal, GNC, power, structures, flight software) across design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR), drive the engineering schedule, define test strategy, and coordinate with solar arrays, propulsion, and Haven-1 avionics/software teams. You will drive make/buy decisions, hire and develop the engineering headcount, and champion a mission factory software infrastructure that enables AI-assisted engineering tools for simulation, analysis, test automation, and integration workflows. This is a full-time, exempt role located in Long Beach, CA, with responsibilities that include establishing relationships with subsystem leads, owning the schedule, and guiding the program toward PDR. Minimum qualifications include a relevant bachelor’s degree, 10+ years in aerospace hardware development, 5+ years of engineering management, experience leading spacecraft or hardware programs through design and environmental tests, and a track record of leading multidisciplinary teams. Preferred qualifications include security clearance eligibility, experience with CMG or reaction wheels, medium-lift launch integration, multi-satellite builds, and a background in avionics, power, or ADCS. The role offers a comprehensive compensation package and benefits, and requires alignment with Vast’s Equal Opportunity employer stance.