Principal ATLO Engineer

Location: El Segundo, California, Onsite
Active TS/SCI Required

Darwin Space are partnered with an exciting national security space company who are building high performance small satellites for critical U.S. government missions. They are looking for a Principal Engineer to lead spacecraft assembly, test and launch operations across multiple satellite programs.

This is a true superstar role for an engineer who has built real spacecraft end to end, ideally across two or three different spacecraft types. They are seeking someone who is equally strong leading teams and working hands on in the cleanroom, integrating hardware, running environmental test campaigns and preparing vehicles for launch. This is not an IC role, but it is also not purely managerial. It is a 50 percent hands on, 50 percent leadership position.

They need someone who understands small satellite production, high rate builds, and has spent significant time owning hardware integration, test execution and troubleshooting across spacecraft programs.

Role Overview

The Principal Engineer will lead spacecraft level assembly, test and launch operations for multiple programs, shaping production flows, driving integration schedules and ensuring vehicles meet mission requirements. You will work hands on in the cleanroom performing integration and system level testing while also guiding engineers, reviewing designs, resolving major discrepancies and supporting mission readiness reviews.

This role influences process development, production strategy, proposal inputs, test planning and the integration of new designs into the production environment. It is a technical leadership position that demands deep spacecraft experience, strong judgment and the ability to oversee complex end to end build flows.

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 to 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 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
• US 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 9/80 schedule