Lead Engineer

Lead Engineer, Integration and Test

Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week)

The return lane isn’t going to build itself. Come build it with us.

Outpost is an orbital logistics company rewriting the rules of global logistics by building reusable Earth-return vehicles that unlock in-space manufacturing, on-orbit warehousing, and 60-minute global delivery through space.

Our CarryAll vehicle family returns payloads ranging from 200 kilograms to 10 metric tons, lands within 10 meters of its target, and can then be refurbished and launched again. One vehicle, many missions: responsive logistics and precision delivery for national security; commercial cargo moved with real cadence; R&D payloads flown, tested, and refined across repeatable cycles; and critical aid delivered where roads and runways can’t reach.

The demand is already here, validated through defense and civil agreements and supported by a growing pipeline of government and commercial customers.

We have the customers, the team, and a clear technical path ahead of us. We’re building the return lane. Come build it with us.

The Team

We're looking for a Lead Engineer, Integration and Test to own assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) for Outpost's return vehicles. This role leads test campaigns end to end from planning through flight readiness and leads a small team of engineers and technicians executing that work. You'll partner closely with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams to resolve cross-discipline issues, and you'll help build the AI&T processes and tooling Outpost needs as it scales.

Responsibilities:

• Own the integration and test strategy for the return vehicle, from component-level bring-up through full-vehicle qualification
• Lead a small team of engineers and technicians executing AI&T
• Develop and execute test procedures, including environmental and functional test campaigns
• Drive anomaly investigation and resolution during integration and test
• Coordinate with structures, avionics, propulsion, and software teams to resolve cross-discipline issues
• Own test documentation and support flight readiness reviews
• Help build and refine AI&T processes and tooling as the company scales

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle integration and test
• Proven experience leading test campaigns from planning through flight readiness
• Strong understanding of environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, acoustic)
• Experience developing test procedures, anomaly resolution, and test reporting
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior engineers and technicians
• Comfortable working hands-on in a machine shop/lab environment alongside leading strategy

Preferred Experience

• Experience with reusable or return vehicles specifically
• Experience with proof and acceptance test campaigns
• Program or test management experience

Compensation:

• Competitive Compensation: $160 - $220k annual salary, based on experience and equity component
• Additional Compensation: Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
• Shared upside: Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental. 
• Protection when it matters: Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
• PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
• Invest in your future:401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
• Fueled for the mission: Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
• Mission that matters: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
• Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
• Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more! 

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S.