---
title: 'Chief Engineer - Spacecraft at Gravitics, Inc'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/chief-engineer-spacecraft-gravitics-inc-seattle-zd5d1v2jpmhx'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-06'
---

# Chief Engineer - Spacecraft at Gravitics, Inc

- **Company:** Gravitics, Inc
- **Location:** Seattle, WA
- **Compensation:** $210k–$250k
- **Posted:** 2026-10-20
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-06
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/graviticsinc/jobs/4450849009

## Job description

Chief Engineer (Spacecraft)

Location: Denver, Colorado OR Marysville, Washington | Hybrid

## About Gravitics

At Gravitics, we're not just exploring space—we're building it. We're creating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth. Our vision is bold, but we're not just dreamers; we're doers. We design and manufacture the large-scale structures and systems that will power human and robotic activity in Earth orbit and beyond. If you're ready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute to a future where humanity's reach extends farther, Gravitics is the place for you. Let's build the future, together.

## About the Role

Gravitics is building a new orbital transfer vehicle to carry payloads to high-energy orbits, and we need one person to own it. As Chief Engineer, you will be the technical authority for the vehicle from architecture through first flight, leading all design, development, and integration efforts. You will apply your background in propulsion systems to develop, manufacture, integrate, and deliver a high delta-v high-thrust spacecraft.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You will lead the product development team, manage suppliers, lead mission and spacecraft analyses, and walk the floor during integration.

Responsibilities:

Lead the Vehicle

- Own the orbital transfer vehicle's system architecture, technical baseline, and requirements, from mission needs down to subsystem and component level.
- Lead system-level trades across propulsion, structures, thermal, avionics, GNC, and software, balancing performance, mass, schedule, cost, and risk.
- Lead all design, development, and integration efforts, including major design reviews, vehicle assembly, integration and test, and flight readiness.
- Act as the vehicle's technical authority with customers, launch providers, and government partners.
- Own the technical risk register, schedule, and budget for the vehicle.
- Lead anomaly investigations to root cause and drive the fixes back into design, build, test, and operations.

Deliver the Propulsion System

- Architect a high delta-v bi-propellant propulsion system: main engine, reaction control, propellant storage and management, pressurization, and feed.
- Perform and review fluids, thermal, and structural analyses to define and verify system and component behavior, including delta-v and propellant budgets.
- Own detailed requirements for tanks, valves, manifolds, tubing, and thrusters.
- Define the qualification and acceptance test strategy, from component tests through integrated hotfire and vehicle-level testing.
- Work with manufacturing to build, integrate, and accept production hardware for flight.
- Support propellant loading, launch campaign, and on-orbit propulsion operations.

## About You

You’re a successful candidate if you are a giver, not a taker. You make things happen. You are exceptional at several things, yet willing to take on efforts in areas of weakness.

Required Attributes

- Direct experience with in-space bi-propellant chemical propulsion systems, with at least one system taken from design through qualification and flight.
- Demonstrated technical leadership of a spacecraft, stage, or major vehicle subsystem across its full lifecycle.
- Experience technically managing an external supplier of engines, thrusters, or other complex flight hardware, including specifications, design reviews, and acceptance.
- Ability to understand structural, fluid, and thermal designs from first principles.
- Working knowledge of spacecraft systems engineering: requirements, interfaces, verification, and risk management.
- Familiarity with CAD and FEA packages such as NX and NASTRAN or similar.
- 14+ years of industry experience.
- Bachelor's degree in an applicable field.

Bonus Points for

- Experience on an orbital transfer vehicle, kick stage, upper stage, lander, or other high delta-v spacecraft.
- Experience designing test or flight fluid systems for high pressure gases or liquids.
- Hands-on engine or thruster hotfire test experience, including combustion devices.
- Familiarity with safety critical systems, pressure vessels, relief devices, igniters/exciters, and propellant loading operations.
- Familiarity with NASA, DoD, and range safety standards for spaceflight propulsion and pressure systems.
- Experience with prop/fluid system analysis tools such as ROCETS, GFSSP, CEA, TDK.
- Experience building and leading small, high-performing engineering teams.
- Experience supporting U.S. government customers, and the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Salary Range $210,000—$250,000 USD

## About Gravitics, Inc

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Gravitics develops modular, 4-meter diameter space station platforms, orbital carriers, and cargo/logistics systems for commercial, civil, and defense space infrastructure.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Grant-II stage; total disclosed funding ~$21.7M in equity/grants plus a $60M STRATFI contract from the U.S. Space Force)
- **Headquarters**: Seattle, Washington, USA (with a manufacturing facility in Marysville, WA)
- **Founded**: 2021
- **Founders**: Colin Doughan (Co-Founder & CEO), Michael Bowker (Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer), Jiral Shah (Co-Founder & Chief Architect)

## Core Business
- Primary industry: Aerospace & Defense (space infrastructure, orbital logistics, tactical responsiveness)
- Target customers: U.S. Department of Defense (Space Force, Missile Defense Agency), civil space agencies, commercial space station operators
- Mission: Expand human flourishing throughout the solar system by building scalable, modular space platforms that enable rapid, on-demand operations

## Products & Services
- **StarMax**: Pressurized commercial space station module (4m diameter) designed for crewed and cargo missions; supports space station buildout.
- **Orbital Carriers (Viper OTX, Medusa)**: Free-flying platforms that house and deploy multiple payloads or spacecraft on-orbit; enable tactically responsive space missions (under 12-hour call-up). Payload capacity ranges from 750–5,500 kg to MEO, GEO, and low lunar orbit.
- **Cargo & Logistics Modules**: Unpressurized and pressurized modules for transporting supplies, experiments, or defense payloads.
- **LTO Battery Systems**: High-power-density lithium-titanate oxide batteries for space applications (developed under SBIR contracts), offering >290 W/kg, 60k cycle life, and enhanced safety.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Total equity/grants raised ~$21.7M (latest round: Grant-II, per CB Insights); plus a $60M STRATFI award from the U.S. Space Force (2024) for orbital carrier demonstration
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Tim Draper, Nick Shekerdemian, Ryan Kriser (key investors); U.S. Space Force, Missile Defense Agency (government partners); advisors include Sundeep Kumar
- **Growth Signals**: Awarded SHIELD IDIQ contract by Missile Defense Agency; selected for $60M STRATFI; multiple SBIR Phase II awards (2024); 40 employees and growing; first flight targets set for 2027–2028

## Competitive Advantages
- **Modular, shared form factor**: All products use the same 4m diameter design with common components, tooling, and operations – reducing cost and lead time.
- **On‑demand orbital capability**: Carriers can deliver payloads to any LEO/MEO/GEO orbit in under 12 hours, bypassing launch weather/range constraints – a unique defense differentiator.
- **Dual‑use technology**: Products serve both commercial space stations and military rapid-response needs, broadening market and funding sources.
- **Agile hardware development**: Culture of “fail fast, fail often” applied to physical manufacturing, enabling rapid iteration.

## Strategic Focus
- **Tactically Responsive Space**: Prioritizing orbital carriers for space mobility, emergency response, and missile defense under U.S. Space Force programs.
- **Commercial space station infrastructure**: StarMax modules target the growing market for private space stations (e.g., NET 2027 first flight).
- **Battery systems diversification**: LTO batteries for DoD and civil space applications as a secondary revenue stream.
- **Partnerships**: Seeking industry partners to scale manufacturing and integrate with launch providers.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Values autonomy, trust, and transparency (“no accountability without authority”); open sharing of financials and risks; emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- **Work environment**: Likely on‑site in Seattle/Marysville with a hands‑on hardware focus; “build the sky” mentality.
- **Benefits**: Generous paid family leave, comprehensive Cigna medical/dental/vision, 401k (non‑matched), equity grants, $50k employer‑paid life insurance, and a minimum PTO requirement (enforced to ensure rest).
- **Perks**: Employee assistance plan, voluntary supplemental insurance, and a culture that celebrates learning from failure.
- **Growth opportunity**: Small team (~40 people) with direct impact on next‑gen space infrastructure; early‑stage equity upside.

## Sources
1. [gravitics.com](https://www.gravitics.com/)
2. [gravitics.com/careers](https://www.gravitics.com/careers)
3. [gravitics.com/team](https://www.gravitics.com/team)
4. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/gravitics)
5. [sbir.gov](https://www.sbir.gov/portfolio/2450193)

## Other roles at Gravitics, Inc

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- [Senior Mechanisms Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanisms-engineer-gravitics-inc-greater-denver-area-cape-canaveral-fl-fb6fm3257mrs) — Greater Denver Area Cape Canaveral FL Houston, TX
- [Senior Power Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-power-systems-engineer-gravitics-inc-seattle-b85w5f6j8c1w) — Seattle, WA
- [Senior Propulsion Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-propulsion-engineer-gravitics-inc-greater-seattle-area-greater-denver-n79tzsdvrqy2) — Greater Seattle Area Greater Denver Area Cape Canaveral FL Houston, TX
- [Senior Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-systems-engineer-gravitics-inc-greater-seattle-area-greater-denver-area-8w532sqbrrhf) — Greater Seattle Area Greater Denver Area Cape Canaveral FL Houston, TX
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- [Lead System Safety Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-system-safety-engineer-gravitics-inc-greater-seattle-area-greater-denver-t6zkdpta2pbn) — Greater Seattle Area Greater Denver Area Cape Canaveral FL Houston, TX
- [Welder/Fabricator](https://feeny.ai/job/welder-fabricator-gravitics-inc-seattle-4d48dxs2q6tz) — Seattle, WA