{"id":1738640,"url":"https://alion.io/job/orbital-paradigm-systems-spacecraft-lead-engineer-kestrel","title":"Systems - Spacecraft Lead Engineer - Kestrel","company":{"id":2191709,"name":"Orbital Paradigm","domain":"orbitalparadigm.space","url":"https://alion.io/company/orbitalparadigm","size_band":"11-50","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Breezy","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":95,"open_postings":8,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":141,"computed_at":"2026-10-25T05:49:26Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"lead","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"explicit","locations":["Madrid, Spain"],"countries":["ES"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":45000,"max_usd":116000,"period":"year","method":"global_role_cell_scaled_by_country","sample_n":2403},"experience_years_min":8,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"ECSS","optional":true},{"name":"MATLAB","optional":true},{"name":"Python","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-05-17T17:08:01Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-05-17","last_verified_at":"2026-10-26T00:25:54Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":161,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":[],"days_open":160},"description":"Introduction\nAt Orbital Paradigm, we design, develop, manufacture, and operate reusable orbital logistics systems. Our spacecraft perform multiple orbital mission profiles and return safely to Earth through hypersonic atmospheric reentry and landing with pinpoint accuracy for rapid refurbishment and reuse.\nRole Description\nOrbital Paradigm is looking for a Spacecraft Lead Engineer to lead the development of Kestrel, the company’s primary spacecraft programme, and drive the spacecraft engineering function across the company.\nKestrel is a space return capsule capable of transporting up to 120 kg of payload to space and back, staying in orbit up to 3 months, and fly through hypersonic reentry using an advanced onboard guidance capable of limiting accelerations below 3g.\nThe role covers spacecraft architecture, system-level design, technical coordination, integration logic, verification strategy, and cross-functional engineering execution from development through mission readiness. It also includes consolidating and maturing the company’s spacecraft engineering methodology, ensuring consistent technical processes, standards, and decision-making across disciplines.\nThis is a senior technical lead role. The Spacecraft Lead Engineer will provide technical direction, ensure engineering coherence across disciplines, and drive spacecraft development and engineering maturity to clear technical and programme outcomes.\nKey Responsibilities\nLead the technical development of the Kestrel spacecraft.\nDefine and maintain spacecraft architecture, system design, and technical interfaces.\nDrive system-level engineering decisions across spacecraft subsystems and mission needs.\nConsolidate and mature spacecraft engineering methodology across the company.\nEstablish spacecraft-level requirements, verification logic, and technical baselines.\nCoordinate cross-functional engineering execution across design, analysis, integration, verification, and operations.\nReview and approve key engineering outputs from subsystem teams.\nSupport spacecraft integration, testing, qualification, and mission readiness activities.\nIdentify technical risks and drive mitigation plans across the spacecraft programme.\nRequired Qualifications\n8-12 years of relevant professional experience in spacecraft development, systems engineering, or complex aerospace systems.\nDegree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field.\nDemonstrated experience leading spacecraft or complex aerospace system development until successful flight.\nStrong understanding of spacecraft architecture, subsystems, interfaces, and verification.\nStrong technical depth in at least one key spacecraft subsystem, with broad understanding of spacecraft-level interfaces and trade-offs.\nExperience driving system-level engineering decisions across multidisciplinary teams.\nExperience establishing or maturing engineering processes, technical standards, or development methodologies.\nExperience with spacecraft integration, testing, qualification, or mission readiness activities.\nStrong technical leadership in cross-functional engineering environments.\nFull proficiency in English, written and spoken.\nPreferred Qualifications\nFamiliarity with aerospace industry standards such as ECSS, NASA, or MIL.\nBasic proficiency with one or more programming languages such as Python and MATLAB.\nExperience in a startup or small-company environment with fast design iterations.\nExperience with reusable spacecraft, reentry vehicles, or orbital logistics systems.\nExperience supporting launch integration or mission operations.\nExperience with spacecraft qualification and acceptance campaigns.\nGood proficiency in Spanish.\nWhat We Value\nExcellence in technical work, execution, and professional conduct\nStrong ownership mindset, with the ability to drive activities to clear outcomes through accountability, proactivity, and resourcefulness\nClear, efficient, direct, and constructive communication\nTeam-first attitude with low ego and strong cross-functional collaboration\nWhat We Offer\nLocation: Madrid, Spain (office-first)\nFlexible hybrid work (2 days/week from home + 2 fully remote weeks/year)\n30 vacation days (23 flexible, +7 during holidays).\nSalary depending on experience and profile\nRelocation package depending on seniority and profile\nFlexible compensation (meal vouchers, health insurance, public transport)\nCompany shares plan","description_format":"text","description_chars":4467,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":8,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":null,"security_clearance":false,"languages":[{"language":"Spanish","level":"Advanced (C1)","optional":true},{"language":"English","level":"Advanced (C1)","optional":false}]},"benefits":["Health insurance","Hybrid work"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"Spain","iso":"ES","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":true,"industries":["Launch Services","Space 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