Technical Project Lead

Technical Project Lead Santa Monica,CA Posted:11/5/2026 Job Description Job #:

87062

Job Category: A&D/Semi

Position Type:
Direct

Duration:
Direct

Shift: 1

Motive Workforce is seeking a Spacecraft Technical Project Lead for a Los Angeles-based spacecraft technology company developing custom spacecraft and mission solutions for commercial, science, and national security applications. This role will lead the technical execution of spacecraft development programs from conceptual design through assembly, integration, testing, launch, and on-orbit operations. The ideal candidate brings broad spacecraft systems experience, strong AI&T knowledge, and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex, fast-paced development programs.

• Lead overall spacecraft development from conceptual design through final assembly, testing, launch, and operations.
• Lead spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) activities to meet mission requirements and program schedules.
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and optimize spacecraft designs.
• Support launch integration activities, including coordination with launch service providers and spacecraft launch readiness.
• Work closely with research and development teams to integrate new technologies into spacecraft design and development.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship across engineering teams.
• Work with internal stakeholders to meet technical, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Communicate and coordinate with suppliers to maintain technical, budget, and schedule requirements.

• Extensive experience in spacecraft design and development with a strong understanding of spacecraft systems and subsystems.
• Proven spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) experience.
• Understanding of space mission ground segments, including command and control systems.
• Experience supporting launch integration and coordinating with launch service providers.
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics, spacecraft communications systems, and ground segments.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems and lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong technical communication and leadership skills.
• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• End-to-end program leadership experience supporting rapid on-orbit technology demonstration missions.
• Understanding of spacecraft EMC/EMI testing and design considerations.
• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with Python, C++, MATLAB, or spacecraft system and mission modeling tools.

$160,000 - $200,000 per year Final compensation will be based on experience, education, and qualifications.

Benefits include paid medical healthcare for employees, flexible vacation, sick days, 401(k) matching, pregnancy and family leave, holiday pay, military service leave, dental coverage, vision coverage, and additional benefits.