Director of Engineering, Spacecraft

What You’ll Do

• Establish the technical baseline for Katalyst’s robotic spacecraft.
  • Translate work completed into a defined, repeatable system architecture.
  • Identify, define, and formalize interface and integration assumptions across subsystems.
• Inject technical rigor into spacecraft development. 
  • Raise and maintain the bar on systems-level thinking and decision-making without slowing execution.
  • Act as a system-level reviewer, ensuring architectural coherence and disciplined technical tradeoffs.
• Build systems and structures for Katalyst's GEO program, establishing:
  • A clear requirements hierarchy with end-to-end traceability.
  • System-level diagrams and architectures that align teams around a shared technical vision.
  • Configuration and interface management practices that enable scale and repeatability.
• Leadership
  • Take over management of functional-level engineering managers for current and future Katalyst missions
  • Provide consistent, credible technical leadership across the engineering organization.
  • Bring clarity, sound judgment, and calm to ambiguous, high-pressure situations.
  • Set clear expectations for engineering rigor, precision, and accountability in execution.

What We’re Looking For

• Hands-on technical leadership with the ability to engage deeply in system-level decisions.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity while holding exceptionally high standards for technical excellence.
• Highly analytical, systems-oriented thinker capable of evaluating cross-functional trades and defining the appropriate level of clarity in analysis, documentation, and interfaces.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to create durable structures that allow teams to operate efficiently.
• Leadership maturity: shaping a culture of credibility, humility, and pride in work while projecting calm urgency.

Your Ideal Background

• 8+ years of spacecraft engineering experience, with at least 5 years owning system-level architecture.
• Prior accountability for end-to-end spacecraft design, not limited to a single subsystem.
• Direct ownership of at least one spacecraft mission through flight, including system integration, test, and launch support.
• Experience navigating at least one transition from:
• Early demonstration missions to follow-on missions.
• New product development and R&D efforts into operationalized, repeatable execution.
• Proven experience leading multiple engineering disciplines simultaneously.

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $195,000 - $260,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.