Director of Engineering

Scout is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people who bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward.

Scout Space is seeking a mission-driven Director of Engineering to lead the execution, growth, and technical direction of our engineering organization. This leader will be responsible for scaling a multidisciplinary team across hardware, software, and autonomy while delivering high-performance space-based sensing systems to government and commercial customers. The role sits at the intersection of technical excellence, operational execution, and team leadership, ensuring that Scout’s payloads, flight software, and data products are delivered on time, meet mission requirements, and push the boundaries of on-orbit capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale a multidisciplinary engineering organization spanning optical, mechanical, electrical, firmware, flight software, autonomy, and mission systems engineering
• Drive execution of complex space payload programs and architecture decisions from concept through design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations
• Coordinate closely with the executive team on product, program management, and business development to align the engineering team and execution with customer needs, mission objectives, and company roadmap
• Establish and enforce engineering processes, standards, and best practices to ensure high-quality, flight-ready systems
• Build and mentor high-performing engineering teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Support proposal efforts, including technical strategy, architecture definition, and programmatic inputs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or related high-reliability engineering environments
• 5+ years of experience leading engineering teams and delivering complex hardware/software systems
• Demonstrated experience delivering space systems (payloads, spacecraft, or related subsystems) from concept to operations
• Strong understanding of spacecraft systems engineering, including integration across hardware, software, and operations
• Experience with space-based sensing systems, optical payloads, or autonomy/AI-driven systems is highly preferred
• Proven ability to manage technical risk, schedules, and cross-functional dependencies in fast-paced environments
• Experience working with U.S. Government customers and programs
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
• Experience scaling engineering teams in a startup or high-growth environment
• Background in space domain awareness (SDA), remote sensing, or on-orbit autonomy
• Familiarity with flight software architecture (e.g., modular frameworks, onboard autonomy systems)
• Experience with production and manufacturing of space hardware, including supply chain and vendor management
• Strong track record of leading teams through design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and flight qualification
• Experience supporting or leading capture/proposal efforts for government programs

Benefits

• Open Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
• Wellness Stipend
• Work From Home Stipend
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability plans
• Commuter Benefit
• Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We’re Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.

Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $175,000-230,000.