VP of Engineering Denver, CO | Full Time | Executive Level Space is the infrastructure layer for humanity’s next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires infrastructure that makes orbit as accessible and reliable as air travel.

At Lux

Aeterna, we’re building that future by developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability - transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce. We're looking for a VP of Engineering to scale the team and the systems that get our spacecraft built, tested, and flown. That means hiring exceptional engineers, building the processes that keep a hardware program honest, and owning execution across every subsystem from design review through integration and flight.

Build the engineering organization behind the first fleet of reusable satellites, enabling current industries and markets in space. World-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to space. You are the single accountable owner for whether Lux Aeterna's engineering organization can keep building, testing, and flying hardware as fast as the mission demands - and for making sure that stays true as the team multiplies.

Lead the engineering organization day to day: structure, hiring plans, performance, and growth across all subsystem teams Recruit and close senior engineering talent, and build the pipeline and interview process that keeps the bar high as headcount grows Own engineering execution: schedules,



design reviews, BOM releases, test campaigns, and integration milestones Build lightweight processes that create rigor without bureaucracy: requirements management, configuration control, anomaly resolution, and design review cadence Partner with program management to surface risk early and keep schedule reality visible to leadership Set the tone for engineering culture: intellectual honesty, bias for action, and candid communication 10+ years in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or complex aerospace hardware development, with 5+ years leading engineering teams ~ Experience scaling an engineering organization through rapid growth, ideally from tens to over a hundred engineers ~ Deep familiarity with the full spacecraft development lifecycle: structures, avionics, propulsion, thermal, GNC, and software ~ Experience building engineering processes at a startup or fast-moving program, and knowing which big-company processes to steal and which to leave behind ~ We are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it. Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a “U.The anticipated compensation range for this position is$200k-$350k per year plus meaningful equity.

Lux Aeterna offers a benefits package of medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and company holidays; and a 401(k) retirement plan. Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a “U.

📌 VP Architecture & Engineering (Picton)
🏢 Lux Aeterna
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