Founding Technical Recruiter

About Ephemeris Net We are extending the internet to space. Ephemeris Net is a pre‑seed space networking company on a mission to provide space connectivity for all through collaborative engineering of commercial space networking solutions. We are creating the infrastructure that will enable the space internet beyond bent pipe—starting with foundational networking infrastructure that will define how data moves through space. We are supported by our parent incubator Second Order Effects, institutional VCs, and our network of space advisors. As space use scales and more space‑native networks come online, we believe that now is the chance to build foundational infrastructure for how the internet will work in space. The role We’re hiring a Founding Technical Recruiter to build the team that extends the internet to space. As we scale from 5 to 50 in the next 18 months, the engineers and operators you recruit will design the hardware that flies, write the software that routes data across orbital networks, and run the missions that prove it all works. Your fingerprints will be on every single one of those hires. You will own full‑cycle recruiting across every discipline: hardware, firmware, software, optical communications, mission management, and operations. More importantly, you will set the pace of our recruiting function itself. You will define what excellence looks like for sourcing strategy, interview infrastructure, candidate experience, and hiring manager partnerships. This role will require you to dive deep technically. In any given day, you may need to review a resume for solar baffling experience, have a real conversation with a physics PhD, and close an offer for an optomechanical engineer. Our expectation is that you’re able to effectively evaluate these candidates and compellingly articulate why Ephemeris Net is the next step in their career. Key Responsibilities Full‑Cycle Technical Recruiting Own end‑to‑end recruiting across all technical disciplines: hardware, firmware, software, optical communications, mission management, and operations Source developed and emerging talent proactively from deep‑tech and aerospace talent pools, including private companies, national labs, and PhD programs. Qualify candidates at the resume and phone screen level; engage with enough technical depth to help Ephemeris and the candidate determine fit Drive offer strategy and close candidates against competitive comp from primes, big tech, and other well‑funded startups Process & Infrastructure Build out and own our recruiting infrastructure: ATS configuration, pipeline reporting, offer templates, interview guides, and onboarding handoffs Develop and document the interview process for each role in partnership with leadership. Maintain data on pipeline health, time‑to‑fill, and offer acceptance rates; use it to improve iteratively and become increasingly effective as a team Coordinate with Operations on headcount planning, requisition management, and compliance. Run structured intake meetings to translate leadership needs into a sourcing strategy Set expectations on timeline, market conditions, and candidate profiles; push back when requirements are unrealistic and keep the team calibrated and moving quickly. Serve as a trusted advisor on compensation benchmarking, leveling, and team‑building strategy Employer Brand & Pipeline Help articulate what makes Ephemeris Net a compelling place to build a career: the mission, the team, and the technical challenge. Own and manage the warm candidate pipeline; know who is interested, who is timing‑constrained, who needs a re‑engagement in a few months, and who is ready to move now. Build and maintain relationships with candidates and connectors who are not ready to move today but will be the right hire in six months, or who can point you to the right hire. Develop referral programs, university partnerships, and alumni networks in collaboration with technical leadership Minimum Qualifications What we’re looking for 5+ years of in‑house, full‑cycle technical recruiting experience in a high‑performance environment Demonstrated ability to source and close candidates in highly specialized engineering disciplines (photonics, optical systems, embedded systems, or equivalent) Demonstrated expertise in non‑standard recruiting methods and going beyond advanced Boolean searches— identifying industry experts & finding unique ways to engage with them Proficiency with modern ATS platforms and recruiting tooling Ability to work in a fast‑moving environment without established process and create structure where none exists Preferred Qualifications Experience recruiting at a high growth, venture‑backed aerospace or defense company. Experience building or significantly scaling a recruiting function, ideally in a startup environment Familiarity with government contractor and security clearance hiring workflows Experience recruiting PhDs or hiring from national laboratory pipelines Experience using Rippling ATS What We Offer Compensation & Benefits Salary: $165,000 - $200,000, based on experience Generous equity package (early hire equity) Comprehensive health care coverage Unlimited PTO (we expect you to take at least 4 weeks per year, and leadership does the same) Work Environment Hybrid work model: 3 days per week in our office based on project needs Expected travel: Up to 25% (conferences, universities, other Ephemeris offices) Small team environment with autonomy and space to define how we work and execute The Opportunity Build something that matters: The team you recruit will build the hardware and software that connects the space economy. You get to be involved in bringing them on. Set the direction: You define how Ephemeris Net attracts and hires talent moving forward. We’ll look to you to define excellence. Own the mission: You aren’t simply filling requisitions. You are a founding member of the People function at a company going from inception to orbit. Our Vision and Values Ephemeris Net's vision is to enable an open, space internet that anyone can utilize and access. We believe that access to better digital connectivity is essential for human progress and that space is the frontier of digital connectivity. We believe that collaboration within market competition is the most effective way to expand the internet into space. Using Ephemeris Net to build space network solutions is how we can proliferate digital connectivity, collaboration, and "the raising of all boats" while achieving a commercial impact. We Care Deeply About Access to connectivity for all Collaboration that raises all boats; we focus on win/win deals Commercial impact: building solutions people value and buy Personal growth and creating a place where people build their careers Putting good out into the world through the work we do and our interactions with each other We are building a company people feel great about working at. We are seeking people who are open and actively seeking growth—both technical and personal. We value honesty, creativity, and a culture of ownership. About our locations El Segundo, CA Located in the heart of the aerospace industry, surrounded by SpaceX, Aerospace Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and hundreds of space startups. A unique ecosystem where strangers on the street are excited about space. Oakland, CA Right off BART. Close collaboration opportunities with UC Berkeley and the broader Bay Area networking and space research communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr