AdAstra Talent Advisors · 1 month ago
VP Engineering, Mechanical Hardware & Propulsion
Los Angeles Area
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$250K/yr - $350K/yrAdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. They are seeking a VP of Engineering for a defense technology company that develops missile defense systems and advanced mechanical hardware platforms, responsible for leading the mechanical hardware organization and overseeing major hardware programs.
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
Qualification
Required
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
Hands-on experience designing or overseeing: 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
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
Benefits
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
Company
AdAstra Talent Advisors
AdAstra finds the people you need to change the world.
Founded in 2018
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Seyka Mejeur
Founder, CEO, Advisor
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