Head of Test Engineering

About AdAstra

AdAstra Talent Acquisition is a boutique firm which partners with elite NewSpace and Clean Tech startups to headhunt for their most critical technical roles. This role is with a confidential client company based in Redondo Beach, CA.

About the Company:

Founded and led by seasoned veterans of SpaceX, our client was founded with the belief that gaining access to space is only part of the job – if you want to get to orbit, you’ll go with one of our launch partners, but if you want to get anywhere else in space, our client will take you there!

Our client’s mission is to accelerate humanity’s future in space through efficient transportation anywhere. GEO, the Moon, Mars, and beyond; our client is the way to get anywhere in space. This is done with a powerful kick stage that brings large payloads from LEO to GEO & beyond, and a hosting and orbital transfer vehicle that is optimized to make the trip to and operate in GEO.

This position can be based in Redondo Beach, CA or Mojave, CA. More company details will be shared during an initial call.

About the Role

As Head of Test Engineering (Propulsion Department), you will lead a team responsible for testing spaceflight hardware. You will lead the design, build-up, activation and operations of critical test facilities and equipment. You will make key technical contributions while establishing the direction of testing for the company.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design and execution of new test facilities and equipment required to develop and validate critical spacecraft systems
• Lead an operational team of engineers and technicians across the company (Redondo Beach and Mojave)
• Recruit and develop a team across a variety of skill sets (fluids, mechanical, electrical, automation and controls)
• Own strategic decisions for testing approach and ensure they deliver upon desired outcome
• Work with cross-discipline engineering teams to design cost efficient test and automation equipment
• Implement processes and procedures to assure a high rate of development and production testing
• Institute a high level of safety and situational awareness
• Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field
• 9+ years of direct experience in hardware test operations
• 4+ years of leadership experience
• Experience in designing or operating cryogenic liquid engine, structural test, or rocket launch facilities
• Demonstrated ability of taking on large-scale project ownership including all engineering, facility, and regulatory aspects
• Able to identify and procure appropriate test equipment
• Experience with software, data acquisition, and automation control systems
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering with emphasis on laboratory and/or practical applications
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams on aggressive projects and timelines
• Demonstrated ability of building or operating a liquid rocket engine test stand
• Demonstrated experience in both production and development testing environments while driving improvement in associated processes and procedures

Logistical Requirements

• This position can be based in either Redondo Beach, CA or Mojave, CA but requires consistent onsite presence at both test site locations. This is not a remote or hybrid position.

ITAR Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Compensation: $180,000 – $220,000 / year

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Benefit Highlights

• Meaningful equity in a fully funded space startup
• Generous paid time off and schedule flexibility plus 11 paid holidays
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance plus optional voluntary life insurance and accident/critical illness coverage
• Employee Assistance Program that provides assessment, counseling, resources, and referrals for a variety of reasons at no cost to employee
• Access to a 401(k)
• Daily lunch provided
• Company sponsored team building events

Equal Opportunity

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with our client is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Company Description

This position is a direct hire, permanent placement for a client of AdAstra.

AdAstra’s mission is building thriving teams within elite NewSpace and Clean Tech organizations.

Our commitment is to curate and close premier talent for our partners, achieved via specialized technical screening, personalized culture assessment, and high-touch candidate engagement. We are motivated to foster boundless team satisfaction and catalyze innovation for future generations, enabling inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adastrata

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdAstraTalent