Role Overview for VP Space Systems Engineering – Colorado Springs, CO
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering leader in the aerospace and defense sector to identify a visionary and transformative Vice President of Space Systems Engineering. This executive leadership role, based in the strategic aerospace hub of Colorado Springs, CO, is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of space technology and national security. Our client is at the forefront of developing next-generation satellite constellations, deep-space exploration platforms, and critical defense systems that push the boundaries of what is possible.
As the VP of Space Systems Engineering, you will be the principal technical authority for the entire space systems portfolio. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), you will be entrusted with the strategic direction, execution, and excellence of all systems engineering activities. This is not merely a management position; it is a role for a thought leader who can architect complex systems-of-systems, inspire a world-class engineering organization, and drive innovation from concept through in-orbit operations. You will be responsible for a large, multi-disciplinary team of brilliant engineers and will hold ultimate accountability for the technical success of programs valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Your leadership will directly influence our client’s ability to win new business, execute flawlessly, and maintain its position as an industry innovator in a rapidly evolving market.
Key Responsibilities of VP Space Systems Engineering – Colorado Springs, CO
Strategic Technical Leadership
Develop, champion, and execute the long-term technology and systems engineering roadmap for the Space Systems division. You will analyze market trends, competitor capabilities, and emerging technologies to ensure the company’s technical strategy is aligned with its business objectives. Your vision will guide investment in R&D, infrastructure, and talent to secure a competitive advantage for years to come.
Organizational Management and Development
Lead, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing systems engineering organization. You will be responsible for attracting, retaining, and developing top-tier talent. This includes establishing clear career paths, providing continuous feedback and coaching, and fostering a culture of technical rigor, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. You will also oversee departmental budgets, resource allocation, and long-range workforce planning.
End-to-End Program Execution
Provide executive oversight for the entire systems engineering lifecycle across all space programs. You will ensure that robust processes are in place for requirements definition, decomposition, and management; system architecture design; trade studies; risk management; and verification and validation (V&V). You will chair major technical reviews, including System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR), ensuring programs meet their technical, schedule, and cost commitments.
Technical Authority and Oversight
Serve as the ultimate technical decision-maker for space systems design and integration. You will apply your deep expertise to solve the most complex engineering challenges related to orbital mechanics, GNC, propulsion, power, thermal, communications, and payload integration. You will champion the implementation and maturation of advanced methodologies, including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering, to improve efficiency and reduce program risk.
Business Growth and Customer Engagement
Act as a key technical representative for the company in interactions with current and prospective customers, including senior leaders within the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and NASA. You will play a critical role in business development, capture strategy, and proposal development, providing the technical vision and credibility needed to win new, franchise-level programs.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Foster a seamless and collaborative working relationship with other executive leaders, including the VPs of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management. You will be instrumental in breaking down organizational silos to ensure the integrated and efficient delivery of highly complex space systems.
Requirements for the VP Space Systems Engineering – Colorado Springs, CO
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading large-scale space systems development from concept to successful mission operations. You possess a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic acumen, and inspirational leadership.
Education
A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field is required.
Experience
A minimum of 18 years of progressive experience in the aerospace industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership capacity managing large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams. Experience must include direct leadership of satellite or space vehicle development programs.
Security Clearance
Must be a U.S. Citizen. An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance is strongly preferred, with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance being a firm requirement for this position.
Technical Expertise
- Demonstrated mastery of the full spacecraft development lifecycle, from proposal and conceptual design to on-orbit commissioning.
- Expert-level knowledge in multiple spacecraft subsystems, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC); power systems; thermal control; propulsion; RF and optical communications; and payload integration.
- Proven experience with various mission types and orbital regimes (LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO).
- Extensive experience with systems engineering processes and tools, including requirements management (e.g., DOORS), configuration management, and risk management.
- Substantial experience implementing and leveraging Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, Rhapsody) and SysML for complex system design and analysis.
Leadership and Business Acumen
- Proven ability to develop and execute a technical strategy that aligns with and drives business success.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including C-suite executives and government customers.
- A track record of successful talent development, including mentoring future leaders and building a resilient and motivated engineering culture.
- Experience managing departmental budgets exceeding $20 million and providing oversight for programs valued at over $200 million.
- Active participation in industry forums and a strong professional network is highly desirable, including involvement with organizations such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package and a world-class benefits program designed to attract and retain the very best talent in the industry. This includes:
- An executive-level base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with premium-level coverage for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous and immediate company match.
- A flexible and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
- Relocation assistance package for qualified candidates and their families.
- Funding for professional development, including executive education, conference attendance, and advanced certifications.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and engineering tools in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- The unparalleled opportunity to work on mission-critical programs of national and international importance, directly contributing to the future of space innovation.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. We invite qualified and interested candidates to submit their resume and a detailed cover letter outlining their qualifications and leadership philosophy. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
To express your interest in this executive opportunity, please submit your application through our secure portal. For more information on our dedicated expertise in this sector, please visit our Aerospace & Defense Recruiting practice area.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
