Development Engineering Tech I

We are a rapidly growing, US-based space startup revolutionizing satellite imaging using advanced in-orbit capabilities. Specifically, our expertise lies in leveraging in-space assets for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Non-Earth Imaging (NEI). As an international company, we navigate a unique landscape while delivering critical services to our clients. To support this next phase, we’re building a high-performing, interdisciplinary team capable of pushing the boundaries of space technology. HEO is a post-Series A company backed by high-profile venture funds including Airtree, Y Combinator, and In-Q-Tel. The Opportunity We are seeking a Principal R&D Solutions Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority for our major US Government (USG) programs. You will be the technical bridge for HEO USA, responsible for delivering non-recurring engineering (NRE) solutions and driving the development of experimental features based on specific USG mission needs.
As the first Solutions Engineer hire in the USA, you will be a foundational leader responsible for building and scaling our domestic engineering capabilities. While you will initially act as a high-level individual contributor, you will have the ability to lead and grow the R&D arm of our US Delivery Team, establishing the technical standards and pipelines required to support a growing portfolio. Our established Australia-based engineering team will provide technical support and guidance to ensure your success.
Key Responsibilities Primary Technical POC: Serve as the lead technical interface for major USG projects, translating complex HEO system capabilities into mission-ready solutions for government stakeholders.
Ad Hoc to Automation: Lead the “R&D to Ops” pipeline by designing and executing plans for the successful collection of NEI and other critical SDA data under challenging circumstances. Develop novel approaches to extract SDA insights, and implement Python software to operationalize these capabilities for the Space Imagery Analyst (SIA) team.
Advanced Mission Modeling: Utilize Systems Tool Kit (STK), and Python-based libraries to model complex satellite encounters, optimize sensor tasking, and validate orbital dynamics for GEO and LEO mission expansion.
Advanced SDA Development: Research and implement novel analysis techniques and data visualization methods to enhance the HEO Inspect platform for national security users.
Direct the technical development and expansion of our GEO mission frameworks while scaling and optimizing our LEO operational capabilities.
MVP Development: Rapidly ideate and develop minimum viable products and experimental features to test directly with USG customers for rapid feedback.
Subcontractor Technical Vetting: Lead the technical evaluation of potential subcontractors to ensure their capabilities align with the high standards of our USG contracts.
Qualifications Experience: 10+ years of significant industry experience in space mission analysis, orbital mechanics, or satellite operations, with or in support of the US Intelligence Community (IC) or DoD.
Demonstrated experience in non-recurring engineering and the ability to build custom technical solutions for complex space domain challenges.
Advanced proficiency in Python for data analysis; expert-level experience with STK or similar high-fidelity orbital modeling software for mission modeling and orbital mechanics.
Leadership: Strong technical leadership skills with the ability to manage high-stakes customer relationships and grow an engineering discipline within a startup environment.
Domain Focus: Deep background in LEO/GEO mission operations and/or development of mission operations and ground segment software.
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
Active Top Secret clearance preferred; must have the ability to obtain or maintain a US government Top Secret security clearance.
As a rapidly growing startup, we're committed to building a highly motivated team and believe in sharing our success. Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP): As an early-stage employee, you'll receive a meaningful grant of employee stock options. Company-sponsored 401(k): Matching contributions vested immediately.
We provide a robust employer-sponsored healthcare plan to ensure you and your family have access to quality medical care.
Paid Federal Holidays: Enjoy all federal holidays throughout the year, allowing you to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
Thrives in an ambiguous, semi-structured and dynamic environment.
Is innovative, agile and flexible.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, sex stereotyping, transgender status, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
As a federal contractor, we are committed to affirmative action for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please reach out.

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