Systems Engineering Manager, In-Space Propulsion

Location: Berthoud, Colorado

Department: Engineering

Our products and technologies require an extraordinary team. A team who will mold tomorrow’s technologies while deploying today’s best. We are comprised of intrinsically motivated individuals who have a passion for solving problems and empower each other every day to develop our skills, knowing that there is always room for growth. 

The Manager, In-Space Propulsion is a leader who drives product success, technical decisions, schedules, hardware, resources, and overall engineering team progress to ensure customer satisfaction and  program success. The Manager, In-Space Propulsion owns system design through the product lifecycle, can excel as a program and business development liaison, and can bring together complex technical and operational inputs to meet program milestones. This role would be an integral part of the In-Space team and be dedicated to the growth and execution of the product line. This role is an on-site only role.  

Responsibilities:  

• Manage a sub-team within the In-Space Propulsion product line, focused on systems engineering and responsible for leading technical meetings, 1:1’s, team building, hiring, career growth, and technical mentoring 

• Own and be responsible for the technical success of propulsion systems and subsystems with 100% mission success 

• Architect in-space propulsion systems including schematics, and system, thruster, and tank sizing 

• Create and manage systems engineering tools and processes 

• Support reliability, failure modes, and risk assessments for major programs 

• Review test and analysis reports to assist with requirements validatio and verification 

• Own evaluation of technical risks and mitigations 

• Drive program technical objectives, interfacing with operations on their objectives, while ensuring product progress and on-time delivery 

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact, manage technical scope, prepare material for and host regular customer meetings, and lead the preparation of contract technical deliverables 

• Collaborate with team members to write, review, and present technical deliverables 

• Provide technical support of business development efforts including proposal writing, interchange meetings with prospective customers, and identification of product opportunities to strengthen the business 

Required Qualifications:  

• B.S. in Aerospace, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering (or other related technical subject area) 

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace system design, project management or a related system-level role including previous aerospace leadership experience 

• Spacecraft hypergolic chemical propulsion system design, development, and or test 

• Experience applying aerospace systems engineering processes – design reviews, requirements verification and validation, failure and risk assessments 

• Proven experience leading a team of peers to field integrated hardware-software products to real operating environments 

• Adaptive and introspective, willing to learn, teach, lead, and follow 

• Strong understanding of industry standards and requirements 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 

• Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations and/or program requirements 

Preferred Experience: 

• Advanced degree in a technical field 

• Leadership and team building skills to include fostering collaborative and positive cultures, formal and informal influencing skills, and team empowerment and motivation expertise 

• Problem solving skills and knowledge of program management tools and procedures 

• Experience with multiple systems engineering organizations and multiple product lifecycles – seen what works vs. what could be improved 

• Fluid system analysis, component selection, and supplier management experience 

• Familiarity with industry standard requirements documents such as MIL-STD-1522, RTCA/DO-178, MIL-STD-810, SSCMAN 91-710, AIAA-S080, SMC-S-016, etc... 

• Familiarity with requirements management tools such as DOORS or JAMA 

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $150,000 - $175,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. 

Classification: Full-time Exempt