A fast-moving, well-funded physics and AI research company is tackling one of the hardest engineering problems in space: making data-center-class hardware work in orbit. They've built a powerful AI-driven physics reasoning engine — and now need senior aerospace judgment to keep it pointed at the right problems.
This is not a build role. It's an advisory seat: reviewing simulation output, stress-testing assumptions, and telling a brilliant but space-inexperienced team what's flight-real and what isn't.
What you'll do:
Review proof-of-concept and simulation results and call flight feasibility, fast
Advise across the hardest orbital data center problems: thermal control, cooling, radiation effects, and power
Help prioritize a research portfolio for maximum technical return
Flag dead ends before they cost time and capital
Act as validator and red-teamer for an AI-led engineering team
What you bring:
Senior aerospace engineer with hardware that has actually flown
Deep expertise in thermal/cooling, radiation hardening, power, or systems integration
Ideally a hybrid “technologist” profile — comfortable across both hardware and software
A systems-level generalist mindset, not a narrow specialist
Sharp, decisive judgment and comfort working alongside AI-assisted tools
If you've got flight heritage and want to shape how the next generation of computing infrastructure gets built in orbit, this is a rare seat at the table.
System Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Work Arrangement: Onsite Salary Range:$145,000 – $175,000 USD About the Role An innovative space technology company is seeking an experienced System Engineer to lead the systems engineering lifecycle for next-generation spaceborne radar payloads. This is a highly technical, hands-on role responsible for defining system architecture, managing requirements, driving verification activities, and ensuring payloads meet mission objectives from concept through flight readiness. Working closely with RF, digital, mechanical, software, and program teams, you will play a key role in translating mission needs into robust, flight-ready space systems while balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, and schedule. Key Responsibilities
Define and maintain the overall payload system architecture, including avionics and subsystem interfaces.
Decompose mission and system-level requirements into subsystem and interface specifications while maintaining complete requirements traceability through verification.
Lead Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and reliability assessments to identify potential single-point failures and develop mitigation strategies.
Design fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies, safe modes, and anomaly response concepts aligned with mission operations.
Establish, monitor, and maintain system-level technical budgets including mass, power, thermal, data rate, and communications link budgets.
Own the verification and validation (V&V) strategy by mapping requirements to appropriate verification methods including testing, analysis, inspection, and demonstration.
Develop mission concepts of operations (ConOps), including orbit operations, imaging modes, duty cycles, and ground segment interfaces.
Define, maintain, and control Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between payload subsystems and spacecraft interfaces.
Collaborate with software engineering teams on embedded flight software architecture, command and telemetry definitions, and operational mode transitions.
Partner with product and engineering teams to translate product roadmaps into system-level technical requirements and architecture decisions.
Support formal engineering reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, MRR, and FRR by preparing and presenting technical documentation.
Perform system trade studies and budget analyses to support design decisions, cost optimization, manufacturability, and mission performance.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
7+ years of systems engineering experience supporting space systems, radar systems, avionics, or similar complex aerospace programs.
Minimum 2 years of experience serving as a System Architect or technical lead on complex engineering programs.
5+ years of experience leading requirements decomposition, requirements management, and verification closure throughout the product lifecycle.
5+ years of experience performing FMEA and reliability analyses for flight hardware or high-reliability systems.
5+ years of experience developing and tracking system-level budgets including mass, power, thermal, and communications link budgets.
Working knowledge of radar or RF systems.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical decision-making skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Contract Parts, Materials & Process (PMP) Engineer Location: Fully Remote (US) Type: Contract — 12 months Rate: Dependent on experience
EVONA is partnering with a US space systems company to secure a contract Parts, Materials & Process (PMP) Engineer.
You’ll support their senior M&P engineer in producing the parts, materials and processes assurance documentation the US government requires on program deliverables (MTA/PMAP). Let’s be straight: this is a compliance and documentation role, not R&D. The whole point is finding someone who’s lived in this environment before, knows what the customer expects, and can produce clean, compliant documentation without the endless back-and-forth.
What You’ll Be Working On
Authoring and maintaining PMP/PMAP program assurance documentation to MTA requirements
Producing compliance deliverables — parts control plans, materials and process plans, part and material approval requests, CDRL/SDRL submittals
Supporting parts, materials and process selection, qualification and approval, including EEE parts control
Reviewing drawings and specifications for correct materials and process callouts
Maintaining parts and materials lists, control plans and assurance records
Supporting DPA, radiation/RHA, derating and non-conformance reviews
Interfacing with the senior M&P engineer, program and quality teams, and the government customer
What You’ll Bring
Hands-on experience producing parts/materials/processes assurance documentation for US government defence or space programs — MTA/PMAP-type deliverables ideally
Background in PMP, M&P, EEE parts, component or reliability engineering within defence, space or high-reliability electronics
Proven ability to produce documentation that clears customer review first time
PMPCB, NSPAR, GIDEP or obsolescence experience (ideal)
ITAR: This role supports US Government space technology. Applicants must be a US citizen, permanent resident, protected individual, or otherwise eligible for the required export authorisations.
Interested Apply now or send your latest CV to m.carter@evona.com ASAP! If you haven’t heard back within 48 hours, please assume your application was not successful this time.
We are supporting a client of ours in the search for a senior engineer to take technical ownership of a critical heat shield development programme. This is a high-impact role for someone with deep aerothermal expertise and proven re-entry domain experience.
The programme is already beyond concept phase and is moving through detailed design and analysis. The successful person will pick up existing work, lead technical direction, and provide the level of authority needed to help the team move quickly and confidently.
The Role
You will act as the technical lead / design authority for heat shield development, supporting a team of engineers working on re-entry spacecraft technology. The focus is not people management, but technical leadership — setting direction, making decisions, and driving delivery across the workstream.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the aerothermal / thermal engineering activity for heat shield design and analysis
Take ownership of an already-mature design and progress it through further detailed development
Act as the design authority for the work, making sound technical decisions and directing engineering activity
Provide technical tasking and guidance to a capable but relatively junior team
Bring re-entry domain expertise into the team to strengthen decision-making and programme execution
Good understanding of the orbital and atmospheric entry environment
Ability to operate as a systems-level thinker rather than a narrow specialist
Comfortable making decisions, setting direction, and operating with technical authority
Useful Additional Background
Experience on return satellites, re-entry vehicles, or related programmes
Background in hypersonic systems may be relevant where there is strong overlap in aerothermal analysis
Team Context
The engineer will support a team currently around eight people, expected to grow to around ten or eleven. There are no direct line management responsibilities in this role; functional leads manage the resource pool, while this position provides technical leadership across the work.
Key Points
This is an urgent hire
Permanent hire is preferred, but contract options may be considered
Candidates must be UK-based due to export control constraints
Join a mission-focused engineering team developing advanced solid propulsion and open-architecture airborne ISR technologies for DoD weapon systems, missile defense, and space launch programs. This is a hands-on role for a senior engineer who thrives on solving complex design challenges at a small, collaborative company working alongside industry pioneers.
What You'll Do
Lead design of hot gas valves, rocket thrusters, actuators, igniters, and pressure vessels
Own trade-off analysis and design optimization across multidisciplinary systems
Build intricate 2D/3D CAD models and technical drawings; apply advanced GD&T and tolerance analysis
Run structural, dynamic, and thermal simulations; interpret results to drive design decisions
Guide material selection and characterization for demanding applications
Oversee additive manufacturing, composite layups, machining, molding, and assembly — including quality control and technical guidance to assembly teams
Design test setups and custom fixtures; lead large-scale, high-risk test programs
Drive requirements engineering, risk management, and continuous improvement across programs
Manage schedules, proposals, and cross-functional teams on large-scale projects
Communicate technical findings clearly through documentation and presentations
What You Bring
10–15 years of mechanical engineering experience, ideally in rocket motor design and testing
BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field (MS preferred); equivalent experience considered
U.S. citizenship, with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
A self-motivated, collaborative, “get it done” mindset
We're seeking a Mechanical Liaison Engineer to act as the technical bridge between Engineering and Manufacturing, supporting the production of complex mechanical assemblies in a fast-paced advanced manufacturing environment.
Working closely with Design, Manufacturing and Quality teams, you'll resolve production issues, disposition non-conforming hardware, support engineering changes, and help improve manufacturing quality and throughput.
Responsibilities
Serve as the engineering interface between Design Engineering and Manufacturing.
Review and disposition non-conforming components and assemblies.
Participate in Material Review Boards (MRBs) and Failure Review Boards (FRBs).
Support Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and implementation into production.
Investigate manufacturing defects and support root cause analysis.
Provide hands-on support to manufacturing teams to resolve technical issues.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, manufacturability and production efficiency.
Feed lessons learned back into future product designs.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).
0–3 years of engineering experience.
CAD experience (NX, Inventor, Creo, SolidWorks or similar).
Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.
Preferred
Manufacturing or production engineering experience.
We're looking for an Associate Flight Assurance Engineer to help ensure the quality, reliability, and mission success of advanced aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle.
Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams, you'll identify risks early, support product verification, investigate anomalies, and contribute to the continuous improvement of assurance processes.
Responsibilities
Evaluate new product designs for reliability, safety, and manufacturability.
Support mission and flight assurance activities throughout development and production.
Perform risk assessments, failure investigations, and reliability analyses.
Assist with root cause investigations and corrective actions.
Prepare assurance documentation, compliance reports, and risk mitigation plans.
Support product qualification and verification activities.
Participate in quality, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to improve product reliability and mission success.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
0–3 years of experience in Flight Assurance, Mission Assurance, Quality, Reliability, or Aerospace Engineering.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and technical writing abilities.
Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies and quality systems.
Preferred
Knowledge of AS9100, NASA or DoD quality standards.
An innovative and rapidly growing space technology company is looking for an experienced Mechanical / Optomechanical Design Engineer to play a key role in the development of a next-generation space payload.
This is a rare opportunity to own the mechanical development of a sophisticated optical instrument from concept through design, build, testing, assembly, integration, and ultimately flight. You'll work alongside a multidisciplinary team developing cutting-edge space technology with genuine end-to-end ownership of your work.
What You'll Be Doing
Lead the mechanical design of a complex space payload from concept through qualification and integration.
Design precision mechanical and optomechanical hardware, including optical benches, support structures, mechanisms, and packaging.
Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA/FEM) to validate structural integrity, vibration performance, and thermal deformation.
Design and develop composite structures, including precision optical bench assemblies.
Support assembly, integration and environmental testing alongside engineering and technician teams.
Collaborate with systems, optical and electrical engineers throughout the product lifecycle.
Produce engineering documentation including design reviews, interface documentation, assembly procedures and verification plans.
Work closely with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are optimised for production.
What We're Looking For
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Approximately 7+ years of mechanical design experience within aerospace, space or other high-precision engineering environments.
Strong hands-on experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA/FEM). This is an essential requirement.
Experience designing composite structures (CFRP or similar materials).
Experience with optical or optomechanical systems. Previous LiDAR experience is not required.
Proficiency using 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, Siemens NX or similar.
Understanding of GD&T and precision mechanical design principles.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Nice to Have
Thermal analysis or thermal engineering experience.
Experience supporting vibration, acoustic or thermal vacuum testing.
Previous experience developing hardware for spaceflight applications.
Familiarity with design for manufacture (DFM/DFMA).
Why Apply?
This role offers far more than traditional mechanical design. You'll have the opportunity to see your designs progress through the complete engineering lifecycle, from initial concept to hardware build, testing and assembly. You'll work on highly complex optical space hardware while collaborating with an experienced team developing innovative space technology.
The hiring team is moving quickly and is looking to begin interviewing immediately.
If you're interested in applying your mechanical and optomechanical expertise to challenging space hardware with real ownership and impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Our client is building a next-generation orbital launch capability and is looking for an experienced Head of Flight Safety to establish and lead the Flight Safety function.
This is a rare opportunity to own the safety strategy for an entirely new launch vehicle programme, taking responsibility from early vehicle development through to launch operations. You'll work across propulsion, avionics, GNC, structures, systems engineering and flight software to ensure safety is embedded throughout the programme while enabling rapid development and successful launch operations.
The Role
As Head of Flight Safety, you'll be responsible for developing the organisation's flight safety philosophy, regulatory strategy and technical safety case.
You'll build the Flight Safety organisation from the ground up, creating the processes, methodologies and engineering culture required to support a modern launch programme while acting as the primary technical authority for vehicle safety and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute the overall Flight Safety strategy across the launch vehicle programme.
Own the complete vehicle safety case, including hazard analysis, probabilistic risk assessments and system safety activities.
Lead Failure Modes, Effects & Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), debris modelling and casualty expectation assessments.
Define Flight Termination System (FTS) requirements in partnership with avionics and flight software teams.
Lead interactions with regulatory authorities, licensing organisations and range operators.
Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure safety requirements are incorporated into vehicle design without unnecessarily impacting development schedules.
Lead anomaly investigations, root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
Build, mentor and grow the Flight Safety team while establishing engineering standards and best practices.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an experienced aerospace safety leader who has operated within high-consequence flight environments and understands both the technical and regulatory aspects of launch safety.
You'll likely bring:
10+ years' experience in Flight Safety, Range Safety, Mission Assurance or System Safety Engineering.
Experience supporting launch vehicles, missile systems or other complex aerospace programmes.
Strong knowledge of range safety regulations and industry standards.
Hands-on experience with:
Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA)
Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
FMECA
Debris and trajectory modelling
Casualty expectation analysis
Experience defining or supporting Flight Termination Systems.
Previous experience building or leading engineering teams.
Ability to influence multidisciplinary engineering organisations and work across hardware, software and systems teams.
Desirable Experience
Launch campaign or test range safety experience.
Experience with safety modelling and simulation tools.
Familiarity with defence, government or civil space regulatory environments.
Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related technical discipline.
Why Apply?
This is a genuine opportunity to shape the Flight Safety function from day one within an ambitious launch programme. You'll have significant technical ownership, influence vehicle architecture from the earliest stages, build your own team, and play a critical role in enabling future launch operations.
If you're looking for a position where your decisions directly impact the success and safety of a next-generation launch vehicle, we'd be interested in speaking with you.
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Satellite Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) professional to lead the design, procurement, deployment, and operational performance of TT&C systems supporting a next-generation satellite constellation.
This position owns the end-to-end TT&C capability across both the space and ground segments, including subsystem selection, ground network architecture, operational telemetry analytics, and on-orbit performance monitoring. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring safe, reliable satellite operations and will act as the technical authority for fleet-wide anomaly detection and command & control performance.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the selection, evaluation and procurement of satellite TT&C subsystems.
Design, develop and deploy an S-band TT&C ground station network supporting a multi-satellite constellation.
Assess shared national TT&C infrastructure against dedicated network solutions, providing technical and commercial recommendations.
Define processes, tools and KPIs for monitoring partner-delivered on-orbit TT&C performance.
Develop telemetry analytics, health monitoring and trend analysis across the operational satellite fleet.
Lead anomaly detection, investigation and reporting, working closely with the Satellite Operations Centre.
Ensure robust command and control capability across all operational spacecraft.
Drive continuous improvements to TT&C operations, automation and system reliability.
Required Experience
10+ years' experience in satellite TT&C engineering with direct subsystem ownership.
Strong understanding of CCSDS standards and S-band command and control link design.
Experience managing satellite telemetry analysis, command operations and anomaly resolution.
Ability to work across spacecraft, ground systems and operational teams throughout the satellite lifecycle.
Preferred Experience
Knowledge of shared national TT&C operating models and infrastructure.
Experience supporting commercial or sovereign satellite constellations.
Exposure to satellite operations centres and mission operations environments.
Qualifications
Postgraduate degree in RF Engineering, Communications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be a technically hands-on systems engineer with deep expertise in TT&C architecture and satellite operations. They will combine strong engineering capability with the ability to lead complex technical programmes, influence suppliers and partners, and ensure reliable day-to-day operation of a growing satellite fleet.
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