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.