Chief Engineer - Spacecraft
Gravitics
Marysville, WA, USA
USD 190k-230k / year + Equity
About Gravitics
At Gravitics, we're not exploring space—we're building it. We're creating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth. Our vision is bold, but we're not just dreamers; we're doers. We design and manufacture large-scale orbital structures that enable commercial operations while meeting the requirements of defense and government missions.
Our systems are built to scale and built to last—bridging commercial innovation with mission-critical performance. If you're ready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute to a future where humanity's reach extends farther, Gravitics is the place for you. Let's build the future together.
About the Role
You serve as both the technical authority and leader of the engineering organization for Gravitics spacecraft, responsible for system design integrity and the capability of the engineering team to deliver it.
You will work across all engineering disciplines and partner closely with Program, Manufacturing, and Operations leadership to ensure successful spacecraft development from concept through flight.
Responsibilities
Technical Authority
Own system architecture, technical baseline, and design integrity
Lead system engineering activities including requirements definition, allocation, and verification
Chair technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR)
Ensure technical rigor, configuration control, and compliance with requirements
Identify and resolve complex technical risks and issues
Communicate technical status and decisions to program office and leadership
Engineering Leadership
Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering team
Own hiring, staffing, and capability development
Allocate engineering resources across programs
Establish and maintain engineering processes and standards
Integration with Program Execution
Partner with Program leadership to support successful delivery
Align technical decisions with cost and schedule constraints
Support manufacturing, integration, test, and mission operations
Maintain customer engagement and technical communication
Accountability
Accountable for technical success and system integrity
Accountable for engineering organizational capability and performance
Program cost and schedule accountability resides with Program and COO leadership
Future Evolution
This role is expected to evolve into separate Chief Engineer and Head of Engineering roles as the company scales.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Gravitics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
190000 - 230000 USD a year
Compensation and Benefits
Your level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the considerations of job-related knowledge and skills, education, and direct experience.
Salary is just one component of the total employee package, which also includes company equity at an exciting time of company growth, as well as comprehensive medical, 401(k) retirement plan, a generous PTO policy, employee discounts, and more.
