Chief Engineer
$230k - $300k USD
Katalyst Description:
We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.
Katalyst Culture:
Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.
What You’ll Do:
Technical Authority
- Own the technical integration strategy for Katalyst’s robotic spacecraft and its submodules.
- Serve as final authority on system-level performance, major design trades, and risk acceptance decisions.
- Lead identification and mitigation of technical risk across development.
- Conduct and oversee major technical reviews with internal teams and customer stakeholders.
- Make high-quality decisions under uncertainty and aggressive timelines.
Technical Leadership
- Partner with executive leadership to inform investment priorities, capture strategy, and customer engagement.
- Translate mission requirements into executable technical approaches that balance performance, cost, schedule, and risk.
- Engage directly with external stakeholders and technical authorities to ensure alignment with mission needs.
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly through structured writing, analysis, and presentations.
- Establish and uphold engineering standards, processes, and reviews that enforce rigor while maintaining speed.
- Build a culture of precision in execution, attention to detail, and humility.
Systems Engineering & Integration
- Implement structured requirements flow-down and verification planning.
- Define integration strategy across robotic spacecraft and its submodules.
- Establish validation approaches spanning simulation, SIL/HIL, robotic testbeds, environmental testing, and flight testing.
- Identify integration risks early and drive mitigation before they impact program execution.
Program Execution & Mission Assurance
- Lead end-to-end development from architecture through fielded capability.
- Own the technical critical path and proactively resolve obstacles before they become risks.
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.
- Leadership maturity: shaping a culture of credibility, humility, and pride in work while projecting calm urgency.
Your Ideal Background
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or another related technical field
- 15+ years developing complex aerospace, robotic, or autonomous systems.
- Experience serving as Chief Engineer, Technical Director, Lead Systems Engineer, or equivalent on an integrated vehicle or mission-critical system.
- Demonstrated ownership of a full system from architecture through integration, test, and operational deployment.
- Deep experience in tightly coupled hardware/software environments.
- Led major design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and owned system-level technical trades.
- Experience driving integration campaigns (SIL/HIL, environmental testing, flight test).
- Proven ability to scale engineering teams while maintaining technical discipline and quality.
Preferred:
- Spacecraft or proximity operations experience.
- Robotics and/or autonomy architecture leadership.
- Experience transitioning from development to production or repeat builds.
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 $230,000 - $300,000 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.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.