Principal ATLO Engineer
Location: El Segundo, California, Onsite Active TS/SCI Required
Darwin Space is partnering with an innovative national security space company that specializes in the development of high-performance small satellites for critical U.S. government missions. We are seeking a Principal Engineer to lead spacecraft assembly, testing, and launch operations across multiple satellite programs.
This is a remarkable opportunity for an engineer with extensive experience in building spacecraft from inception to completion, particularly across various types of spacecraft. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills while being hands-on in the cleanroom, integrating hardware, conducting environmental test campaigns, and preparing vehicles for launch. This position balances both hands-on responsibilities and leadership tasks, comprising 50% of each.
The successful candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of small satellite production, high-rate builds, and significant experience in hardware integration, test execution, and troubleshooting across spacecraft programs.
Role Overview
The Principal Engineer will lead spacecraft assembly, testing, and launch operations across multiple programs. This role will involve shaping production flows, driving integration schedules, and ensuring that vehicles meet mission requirements. You will be actively involved in the cleanroom, performing integration and system-level testing, guiding engineers, reviewing designs, resolving major discrepancies, and supporting mission readiness reviews.
This position influences process development, production strategy, proposal inputs, test planning, and the integration of new designs into the production environment. As a technical leader, you will leverage your extensive spacecraft experience, sound judgment, and oversight of complex end-to-end build flows.
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 with 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
- U.S. 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 a 9/80 schedule
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Adam Slade