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 developing 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 a unique opportunity for an accomplished engineer who has experience building spacecraft from start to finish, ideally across two or three different spacecraft types. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership skills, while also being hands-on in the cleanroom—integrating hardware, conducting environmental test campaigns, and preparing vehicles for launch. This role balances hands-on responsibilities with leadership duties, comprising 50% hands-on work and 50% management.
We are looking for someone with 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 take the lead in spacecraft level assembly, testing, and launch operations for various programs. This role includes shaping production flows, driving integration schedules, and ensuring vehicles meet mission requirements. You will work directly in the cleanroom, performing integration and system-level testing while guiding engineering teams, reviewing designs, resolving major discrepancies, and supporting mission readiness reviews.
This position plays a crucial role in influencing process development, production strategy, proposal inputs, test planning, and integrating new designs into the production environment. It requires extensive spacecraft experience, sound judgment, and the capability to oversee complex build flows end to end.
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. 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.
Contact: Adam Slade