AdAstra Talent Advisors
Vice President of Engineering
AdAstra Talent Advisors, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Headhunting & Advising for Hard Tech Startups | Climate, Space, Defense | AdAstra Talent Advisors
About Our Client
Our client is a well-funded defense technology company developing next-generation missile defense systems and advanced mechanical hardware platforms. Their mission is to accelerate the development of high-performance defensive systems that can be produced quickly, tested frequently, and scaled efficiently.
The Opportunity This individual will be responsible for building and leading the full mechanical hardware organization. The VP will own major hardware programs across complex mechanical systems and propulsion, helping transform prototypes into reliable, production-ready defense hardware.
This is an opportunity for someone who wants to:
Lead a rapidly growing hardware organization
Own entire mechanical and propulsion hardware programs
Work in a vertically integrated environment where build–test iteration is fast
Have broad design authority without large-company bureaucracy
Take a career-defining step into executive technical leadership
Responsibilities
Lead all mechanical hardware engineering functions, including structures, mechanisms, components, integration systems, and portions of propulsion depending on expertise.
Build, mentor, and scale high-performing engineering teams; eventually manage 1–3 engineering managers as the organization grows.
Drive execution of major hardware programs from early concept through testing and fielding.
Ensure hardware is designed, built, and tested to meet demanding performance, safety, and environmental requirements.
Provide technical leadership across mechanical systems, helping solve cross-disciplinary problems involving propulsion, structures, manufacturing, test operations, and system integration.
Partner closely with adjacent engineering functions (software, avionics, GNC) to deliver complete hardware systems.
Maintain strong engineering rigor while also supporting rapid iteration and efficient development cycles.
Recruit top engineering talent and serve as a cultural anchor for professionalism, ownership, and mission-driven execution.
Requirements
Demonstrated experience delivering hardware, not just leading theoretical design work.
Strong mechanical engineering foundation with deep experience in launch vehicle, missile, or similarly complex hardware development.
Bipropellant or pump-fed propulsion systems
High-pressure pneumatic systems
Mechanical or structural systems for high-performance flight hardware
Propellant feed or fluid systems
Test and qualification of complex flight systems or engines
Experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams (typically 6–15+ engineers) and making hiring and personnel decisions.
Ability to lead through ambiguity, establish program structure, and drive toward execution milestones.
Professional, high-maturity communication style; able to represent the company to partners, candidates, and internal stakeholders.
Preferred Experience
Background in both large propulsion systems (e.g., pump-fed engines) and small thrusters (ideally using green propellants).
Experience transitioning systems from prototype to production and scaling engineering organizations.
Exposure to missile defense systems, interceptor development, or high-performance aerospace hardware.
Systems-level thinking across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines.
Ability to recruit from strong aerospace networks and attract top-tier talent.
Logistical Requirements
Onsite in the Los Angeles Metro Area
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR.
Salary range: $250,000 - $350,000 DOE
In addition to base pay and equity, they offer:
Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
Company-paid life insurance and LTD coverage
5% 401(k) match
Student loan repayment assistance program
Paid parental leave
Family planning assistance program
Company-paid financial wellness program
Paid time off for non-exempt employees and flexible vacation policy for exempt employee
Our client is an equal opportunity employer. They evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
About AdAstra AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.
At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before.
We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future.
Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!
Seniority level Executive
Employment type Full-time
Job function Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing and Defense and Space Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Opportunity This individual will be responsible for building and leading the full mechanical hardware organization. The VP will own major hardware programs across complex mechanical systems and propulsion, helping transform prototypes into reliable, production-ready defense hardware.
This is an opportunity for someone who wants to:
Lead a rapidly growing hardware organization
Own entire mechanical and propulsion hardware programs
Work in a vertically integrated environment where build–test iteration is fast
Have broad design authority without large-company bureaucracy
Take a career-defining step into executive technical leadership
Responsibilities
Lead all mechanical hardware engineering functions, including structures, mechanisms, components, integration systems, and portions of propulsion depending on expertise.
Build, mentor, and scale high-performing engineering teams; eventually manage 1–3 engineering managers as the organization grows.
Drive execution of major hardware programs from early concept through testing and fielding.
Ensure hardware is designed, built, and tested to meet demanding performance, safety, and environmental requirements.
Provide technical leadership across mechanical systems, helping solve cross-disciplinary problems involving propulsion, structures, manufacturing, test operations, and system integration.
Partner closely with adjacent engineering functions (software, avionics, GNC) to deliver complete hardware systems.
Maintain strong engineering rigor while also supporting rapid iteration and efficient development cycles.
Recruit top engineering talent and serve as a cultural anchor for professionalism, ownership, and mission-driven execution.
Requirements
Demonstrated experience delivering hardware, not just leading theoretical design work.
Strong mechanical engineering foundation with deep experience in launch vehicle, missile, or similarly complex hardware development.
Bipropellant or pump-fed propulsion systems
High-pressure pneumatic systems
Mechanical or structural systems for high-performance flight hardware
Propellant feed or fluid systems
Test and qualification of complex flight systems or engines
Experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams (typically 6–15+ engineers) and making hiring and personnel decisions.
Ability to lead through ambiguity, establish program structure, and drive toward execution milestones.
Professional, high-maturity communication style; able to represent the company to partners, candidates, and internal stakeholders.
Preferred Experience
Background in both large propulsion systems (e.g., pump-fed engines) and small thrusters (ideally using green propellants).
Experience transitioning systems from prototype to production and scaling engineering organizations.
Exposure to missile defense systems, interceptor development, or high-performance aerospace hardware.
Systems-level thinking across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines.
Ability to recruit from strong aerospace networks and attract top-tier talent.
Logistical Requirements
Onsite in the Los Angeles Metro Area
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR.
Salary range: $250,000 - $350,000 DOE
In addition to base pay and equity, they offer:
Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
Company-paid life insurance and LTD coverage
5% 401(k) match
Student loan repayment assistance program
Paid parental leave
Family planning assistance program
Company-paid financial wellness program
Paid time off for non-exempt employees and flexible vacation policy for exempt employee
Our client is an equal opportunity employer. They evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
About AdAstra AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.
At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before.
We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future.
Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!
Seniority level Executive
Employment type Full-time
Job function Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing and Defense and Space Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr