Lead Engineer, Integration and Test
Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week)
Outpost is pioneering Earth return logistics for space. We're building vehicles that can return payloads from orbit safely and precisely enabling faster space-based manufacturing, global delivery, and entirely new capabilities in the space economy. Our spacecraft is already backed by the U.S. government with multiple missions ahead. We're a mission-focused team, building with urgency, grit, and care for the work we do and the people we do it with.
The Team
We're looking for a Lead Engineer, Integration and Test to own assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) for Outpost's return vehicles. This role leads test campaigns end to end from planning through flight readiness and leads a small team of engineers and technicians executing that work. You'll partner closely with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams to resolve cross-discipline issues, and you'll help build the AI&T processes and tooling Outpost needs as it scales.
Responsibilities:
- Own the integration and test strategy for the return vehicle, from component-level bring-up through full-vehicle qualification
- Lead a small team of engineers and technicians executing AI&T
- Develop and execute test procedures, including environmental and functional test campaigns
- Drive anomaly investigation and resolution during integration and test
- Coordinate with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams to resolve cross-discipline issues
- Own test documentation and support flight readiness reviews
- Help build and refine AI&T processes and tooling as the company scales
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- 6+ years of experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle integration and test
- Proven experience leading test campaigns from planning through flight readiness
- Strong understanding of environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, acoustic)
- Experience developing test procedures, anomaly resolution, and test reporting
- Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior engineers and technicians
- Comfortable working hands-on in a machine shop/lab environment alongside leading strategy
Preferred Experience
- Experience with reusable or return vehicles specifically
- Experience with proof and acceptance test campaigns
- Program or test management experience
Compensation:
- Competitive Compensation: $160 - $220k annual salary, based on experience and equity component
- Additional Compensation: Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
- Shared upside: Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
- Comprehensive healthcare : Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental.
- Protection when it matters: Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
- PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
- Invest in your future: 401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
- Fueled for the mission: Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
- Mission that matters: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
- Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
- Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more!
You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S.