Principal ATLO Engineer
Location: El Segundo, California, Onsite Active TS/SCI Required
Darwin Space is partnered with an innovative national security space company dedicated to building high-performance small satellites for critical U.S. government missions. They are seeking a Principal Engineer to lead spacecraft assembly, testing, and launch operations across multiple satellite programs.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an engineer who has experience building real spacecraft from start to finish, ideally across two or three different spacecraft types. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership abilities and hands-on experience in the cleanroom, integrating hardware, conducting environmental test campaigns, and preparing vehicles for launch. This position is a balanced mix of 50% hands-on work and 50% leadership responsibilities.
The successful applicant will have a deep understanding of small satellite production, high-rate builds, and extensive experience in hardware integration, test execution, and troubleshooting across various spacecraft programs.
Role Overview
The Principal Engineer will lead spacecraft-level assembly, testing, and launch operations for multiple programs. You will shape production flows, drive integration schedules, and ensure that vehicles meet mission requirements. Hands-on work in the cleanroom will involve performing integration and system-level testing while guiding engineers, reviewing designs, resolving major discrepancies, and supporting mission readiness reviews.
This role also influences process development, production strategy, proposal contributions, test planning, and the integration of new designs into the production environment. It demands a high level of technical expertise in spacecraft and the ability to oversee complex end-to-end build processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Spacecraft Assembly and Integration:
- Lead planning and execution of spacecraft build from hardware arrival through final integration.
- Oversee integration of avionics, structures, propulsion interfaces, harnessing, and mechanical assemblies.
- Work hands-on with hardware in cleanroom environments.
- Environmental and System Testing:
- Serve as subject matter expert for EMI, TVAC, vibration, shock, and end-stage satellite testing.
- Lead troubleshooting during environmental campaigns and system-level tests.
- Support Failure Review Boards and resolve critical non-conformances.
- Launch Integration:
- Support preparation for launch site activities.
- Oversee integration to launch vehicles and end-to-end readiness tasks.
- Coordinate with mission partners and launch providers.
- Production Leadership:
- Shape production processes for high-rate satellite builds.
- Improve throughput, reduce build hours, and eliminate waste.
- Implement design for testability and manufacturability improvements.
- Technical Leadership and Process Development:
- Mentor ATLO and integration engineers.
- Act as signature authority for quality system updates and design reviews.
- Support proposals, documentation, SOP development, and long-term roadmap alignment.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
- Fifteen or more years of experience in spacecraft manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, test, or process engineering.
- Experience working on constellation spacecraft or multiple production vehicles (three or more units).
- Proficiency with statistics, data analysis, PowerBI, or Tableau.
- Experience with MRP/ERP, Jira, MS Project, MES systems, Teamcenter, or PLM tools.
- Expertise in one or more areas: medium-rate production, mechanical integration, electrical testing, spacecraft integration, industrial operations, or systems engineering.
- Active TS/SCI clearance required.
- US Citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Twenty or more years of experience in space systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working with union-represented technicians.
- Willingness to travel to launch sites and support critical mission milestones.
- Ability to work rotating shifts.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive variable compensation.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
- Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
- Retirement savings plans.
- Paid time off and 9/80 schedule.
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
For inquiries, please reach out to Adam Slade.