Project Engineer

Role Description

The Project Engineer will serve as the primary technical interface between the prime contractor team and payload customers, ensuring seamless integration of customer payloads onto the lunar missions we support. This mid-level role requires an individual who has a strong technical background in space systems, excellent customer-facing communication skills, and good organizational and project management skills to manage the project schedule and deliverables.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with space-focused private sector companies and / or government agencies such as NASA / DoD, experience acting as a focal point for payload integration, and a track record of finding system-level solutions within project constraints.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical liaison for payload customers, ensuring their requirements are well understood and integrated into mission planning. Prepare monthly reports for the paylaod customer to communicate project status.

• Lead the end-to-end payload integration process, from initial requirements gathering to final testing and verification.

• Develop payload interface control documents (ICDs) to align with mission architecture and spacecraft design.

• Coordinate with internal engineering teams, including systems engineering, spacecraft design, and mission operations, to ensure payload compatibility and readiness.

• Conduct and support technical reviews, including Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) and Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), to validate payload integration plans.

• Provide technical oversight / insight during payload testing, spacecraft integration, and pre-launch activities.

• Proactively identify and resolve technical issues to maintain schedule and mission objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• 3+ years of experience in payload integration, systems engineering, or related roles within the space or aerospace industry.

• Hands-on experience with spacecraft systems, payload hardware, and integration testing.

• Familiarity with regulatory and technical standards for space missions, such as those set by NASA or DoD.

• Strong technical writing and documentation skills, including experience creating ICDs and technical review materials.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to manage customer relationships effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with lunar or deep space mission payloads.

• Basic knowledge of spacecraft structures and construction, thermal control, power and avionics as they relate to payload integration.

• Experience with mission operations and post-launch payload support.

• Proven track record of interfacing with customers to manage payload requirements, integration, and delivery for space missions.