Your space-enabled career begins here

About Us

This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Auriga Space is revolutionizing propulsion by developing electromagnetic launch systems that offer dramatic advantages in cost, reliability, launch frequency, and responsiveness compared to traditional chemical rockets. Join us as we transform the future of propulsion for space and defense.

Role Summary

As Vice President of Engineering, you will lead the functional engineering organization in a matrix structure, owning the people, processes, tools, and execution capability that powers all programs. You will build and scale high-performing electrical and mechanical engineering teams, ensure technical delivery feasibility, drive engineering standards and operational excellence. This is a hands-on leadership role for a builder who thrives in high-stakes hardware environments and can scale from startup agility to maturity.

Technical Responsibilities

• Oversee technical execution across the engineering portfolio: ensure subsystem design, integration, verification/validation, prototyping, and testing deliver against architectural and program baselines.
• Lead and scale the engineering function, including hiring, mentoring, performance management, and career development for engineers and engineering leaders.
• Own functional resource planning, allocation, and workload balancing in the matrix: forecast capacity, resolve conflicts, and ensure engineering talent is efficiently deployed across multiple programs without duplication or bottlenecks.
• Establish and continuously improve engineering processes, tools, standards, design reviews, and risk management while preserving startup speed.
• Manage engineering budget, tools/infrastructure (CAD, simulation, test equipment), and vendor/partner relationships for engineering needs.
• Drive engineering culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability: foster collaboration in a matrix environment, promote technical rigor, and build resilience for high-reliability hardware in contested or space environments.
• Prepare the organization for production scaling: transition from R&D prototypes to manufacturable, qualifiable hardware.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Architect to implement and adapt architectural direction: provide feasibility input on trades, roadmaps, and standards; cascade architectural decisions into functional practices and team execution; consult on interpretation and implementation impacts.
• Collaborate with the Head of Program Management to align engineering delivery with program milestones, budgets, and customer requirements
• Contribute to executive leadership: participate in strategic planning, risk reviews, and customer briefings on engineering progress and capability.

Qualifications & Experience

· 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership in aerospace, defense, or deep tech hardware (space systems, missiles, UAVs, or similar high-reliability domains preferred).

· Proven track record scaling engineering organizations in fast-growth environments (ideally from <50 to 100+ engineers) while maintaining technical depth and delivery velocity.

• Profound expertise in hardware development lifecycles: mechanical/electrical design, systems integration, qualification/testing, and transition to manufacturing in regulated industries (ITAR, DoD/NASA standards).
• Experience operating in matrix organizations: balancing functional excellence with program demands, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong technical foundation (BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or related); ability to dive into details while maintaining a strategic view.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills: ability to influence without direct authority in matrix settings, mentor senior engineers, and present to customers/executives.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape the engineering backbone of a high-impact defense/space company during growth.
• Direct impact on mission-critical systems for national security and space.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture with smart, dedicated teammates.
• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits package.

ITAR Requirements:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More details on ITAR are available on the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls website.

Auriga provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Auriga, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.