Stage 1 Lead Engineer

About Cowboy Space

Mission:
Cowboy Space Corporation is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy. We are tackling one of humanity’s most complex engineering challenges with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Cowboy Space Corporation is transforming how civilization powers, computes and connects - from orbit to Earth.

Background:
Cowboy Space Corporation is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our modular, scalable satellites collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit to enable multiple integrated applications: transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit high-performance computing clusters (GPU/TPU), and providing secure, high bandwidth optical data transport.

Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure. Cowboy Space Corporation overcomes these challenges by enabling direct, on-demand, secure, and scalable energy distribution and data processing from space. This will revolutionize how we operate in orbit and on Earth, supporting the rapidly expanding space industrial base, ISAM (In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing) operations, remote regions, and military bases.

Baiju Bhatt founded Cowboy Space Corporation in 2024. Inspired by his father’s work with NASA Langley Research Center, Baiju earned his B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Mathematics at Stanford before co-founding Robinhood, now a public company that has helped over 20 million Americans access the financial system. Cowboy Space Corporation has raised ~$365 million from Index Ventures, Interlagos, Construct Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, and others.

This is an ambitious mission that demands extraordinary talent. Cowboy Space Corporation’s team has worked at places like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, Astranis and NASA, and is based in San Carlos, CA. If you're ready to solve complex technical challenges and help build the most important energy company in the world, we want to hear from you.

About the Role:

As the Stage 1 Lead, you will be the Responsible Engineer for the reusable first stage of Cowboy Space's launch vehicle, owning its entire lifecycle: from architecture and design through assembly, integrated test, launch, recovery, and refurbishment. You will serve as chief engineer, program manager, and lead systems engineer for the stage. You will lead an integrated product team of propulsion, structures, mechanical, fluids, avionics, GNC, software, and test engineers to deliver a flight-proven, rapidly reusable first stage. You will work closely with the engine, upper stage, manufacturing, test, and launch operations teams as the stage integrates with the rest of the launch system. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly. This role reports to the Head of Launch & Propulsion.

What You’ll Do

● Own the Stage 1 program from architecture and design through flight, recovery, and reflight

● Define Stage 1 architecture, conceptual design, and stage-level requirements in coordination with the owners of the engine, upper stage, ground systems, and other launch system elements

● Define and manage subsystem requirements and interfaces (propulsion, structures, fluids, avionics, GNC, and recovery) with subsystem owners, including the engine-to-stage interface

● Track stage technical performance, mass, margins, and risk throughout the design cycle; manage changes to requirements and interfaces and mediate technical disagreements between subsystems

● Define and manage schedule and budget for the Stage 1 program

● Lead stage assembly, integration, and integrated test campaigns (cryogenic proof, static fire) with support from manufacturing and test engineers

● Define the verification and qualification plan for stage and subsystem requirements and manage its execution

● Develop stage operating procedures and operational limits in coordination with engine, test stand, and launch operations teams

● Participate in test and launch operations to make real-time engineering decisions on technical risks

● Drive design-for-reuse decisions: recovery loads and environments, inspection intervals, life-limited parts, refurbishment procedures, and acceptance criteria for reflown stages

● Own the stage upgrade plan for improved reliability, rapid turnaround, and faster production rate; derive upgrade scope and timelines to achieve these goals

Basic Qualifications:

● 10+ years of experience in the design, build, integration, or test of launch vehicles, rocket stages, or similarly complex aerospace flight systems

● Demonstrated experience on one or more development programs through a significant portion of the lifecycle (concept through development, qualification, flight, or sustained operations)

● Demonstrated ability to lead and integrate a team of technical contributors spanning propulsion, structures, mechanical, fluids, avionics, GNC, and software disciplines

● Strong knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals (requirements, interfaces, verification, and risk and margin management) applied practically in a fast-paced development program

● Exceptional command of fundamentals: structures and loads, fluid systems, thermodynamics, cryogenics, flight dynamics, and control systems

● Experience with integrated stage- or vehicle-level testing (pressure/proof testing, cryogenic loading, static fire, or equivalent)

● Strong data analysis and data reduction skills (test and flight data to vehicle health and performance)

● Hands-on experience with fabrication, assembly, and integration of flight hardware

● Ability to lead; ability to follow. Demonstrated history of excellent written and verbal communication and team-building

● Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

● Experience as the responsible engineer, chief engineer, or technical lead for a launch vehicle stage or other major flight system

● Experience with reusable launch vehicles: recovery, inspection, refurbishment, and recertification of flown hardware

● Experience with LNG/methane or other cryogenic propellant systems, including tanks, feed and pressurization systems, and ground support equipment

● Familiarity with launch operations, range safety, and flight termination systems

● Experience with vehicle-level analyses: trajectory and performance, mass properties, loads, and GNC for powered descent and landing

● Experience with CAD tools and configuration management (Siemens NX/Teamcenter or equivalent)

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $216,000 - $236,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

● Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

● Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

● 401(k) retirement savings plan

● Paid time off

● 10 paid holidays per calendar year

● Paid parental leave

● Relocation assistance if applicable

● Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

● Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.