Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, a trailblazer in space robotics, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a sustainable presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are seeking a talented, experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to help define the future of lunar surface mobility in a fast-paced startup environment. Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and direct the mechanical engineering team working on multiple concurrent projects, from conception through completion, continually optimizing resource allocations to meet programmatic objectives, quality standards, and deadlines

• Represent the mechanical discipline in executive-level reviews, strategic meetings, and organizational decisions, providing strategic input to senior leadership and executives on technical risks, opportunities, investments, and resource allocation from a mechanical engineering perspective

• Interface with executives to set the vision and direction for the mechanical engineering team, demonstrating understanding of Lunar Outpost’s priorities and philosophy

• Function as a top-level technical authority across multiple programs, guiding consistency and direction for mechanical engineering with company-wide impact

• Represent the company in customer-facing reviews, industry technical committees, and technical conferences, influencing the broader aerospace community

• Present and mature mechanical engineering projects within aerospace review structures (SRR, PDR, CDR)

• Set and enforce guidance on best practices and design philosophies within the mechanical engineering team, and champion continuous improvement

• Ensure all mechanical designs comply with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements; produce, review, and approve technical documentation

• Collaborate with leaders across disciplines to ensure the multi-faceted needs of all stakeholders are met

• Oversee rapid prototyping efforts to validate concepts quickly and cost-effectively

• Develop and lead manufacturing plans for parts using a range of processes, including CNC milling, 3D printing, lathe work, sheet metal bending, and water-jetting/laser-cutting

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and guidance to less-experienced team members, fostering skills development, leadership growth, and a culture of excellence

Required Qualifications:

• 15+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field

• Extensive proven technical leadership at an organizational scale, influencing multiple teams, programs, and internal organizations

• Strong organizational, management, and hands-on technical skills

• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools such as Bild, JIRA, or equivalents

• Exceptional written and oral communication abilities

• Extensive experience presenting and reviewing standard aerospace reviews – MCR, PDR, CDR, etc.

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and driven to meet critical deadlines

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated track record of strategic planning

• Prior leadership experience in an aerospace startup environment

• Demonstrated track record of technical public speaking and presentation at conferences, working groups, etc.

• Relevant experience with NASA and Government customers, deliverables, reviews, and standards

Any offer of employment for this position is conditional upon Lunar Outpost receiving the LTVS Phase II contract from NASA. If the contract is not awarded to Lunar Outpost, this offer will be considered null and void, without further obligation to Lunar Outpost.

Lunar Outpost is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, veteran status). We want all employees (including executives and HR) to treat others with respect and professionalism.