Chief Engineer, Components & Modules

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer – Components & Modules to join our growing team as a key member of our leadership team. The Chief Engineer role at Terran Orbital is a critical role for the successful development of our Component & Module product line and reports to the Sr. VP of Components & Modules. You will be a key member of the leadership team that works closely with the Product Directors, technical teams and production to develop solutions, technical/cost proposals, drive affordability, fabricate, test, and certify and deliver qualified components & modules to our customers. The Chief Engineer will also provide technical leadership for the product roadmaps; engineering standards, process and tool development; incorporating best practices and lessons learned across the products.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• This position is expected to be 100% onsite at the Irvine, CA site.
• Hands-on leader, willing to jump in and work with the team to achieve project goals
• Develop strategic technology/system roadmaps and plans for Spacecraft components and modules
• Establish Lifecycle Best Practices, Frameworks, Guidelines, Standards, Processes and tools
• Lead Engineering and Failure Review Boards
• Maintain working knowledge of industry engineering practices, tools, and trends
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to the engineering teams
• Guide architecture trades to search and find balanced technical, schedule and cost solutions for our products
• Responsible for reviewing project planning, resource management, and product reviews
• Oversee phase gate design reviews to provide technical insight while ensuring rigor in the design process
• Support Independent Non-Advocate Reviews for Projects, Programs, and Missions to ensure business, customer, and supplier success
• Develop and implement knowledge capture and transfer
• Participate and lead the technical discussions with customers and suppliers to ensure mission success

Qualification and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field is required, Advanced degree or master's a plus
• 10+ years of experience in product development engineering
• 5+ years of aerospace leadership experience working as a chief engineer
• Experience in spacecraft system or module product development and operations
• Experience in new product development of spacecraft systems & modules with waterfall and/or agile methodologies
• Working knowledge of Spacecraft modules including flight computers, reaction wheels, torque rods, IMUs, power systems, structure, radios/antenna, payload systems, etc.
• Experience in the development and qualification of space-based electronics. Experience with design & development of PCBs a plus.
• Demonstrated ability in identifying sales opportunities and capturing business opportunities
• Experience with hands-on full life cycle experience, including concept development, design reviews, manufacturing and AIT, operations, and anomaly investigations
• Highly developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to successfully multi-task across portfolio demands
• Per the requirement of certain Terran Orbital facilities, the applicant must be eligible to obtain and maintain a US TS/SCI Security Clearance and all unique accesses required to work at such facilities

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• Employee Equity Incentive Program 
• 401(k) Match
• Unlimited PTO

Salary Range $200,000-$285,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer equity for each employee, 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satelli