Responsible Engineer / Cost Account Manager (Space ECLSS)

Location: Tucson, AZ; Houston, TX; Denver, CO

Reports To: VP/PM HALO ECLSS

Paragon Space Development Corp. is a rapidly growing aerospace company developing spacecraft life support, environmental control and thermal control systems. We are on a mission to [insert mission statement] and are building a culture of innovation, speed, and uncompromising technical excellence. As we scale, we are seeking a passionate and experienced VP of Engineering to lead our technical team from prototype to production.

Position Overview

The Responsible Engineer/Cost Account Manager (RE/CAM) will lead the technical design, development, and integration of complex spaceflight hardware while simultaneously serving as the Control Account Manager (CAM) for the associated scope. The candidate will be responsible for the technical performance, cost, and schedule of assigned hardware, ensuring compliance with Customer/NASA/DoD standards.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Engineering Leadership:

• Lead hardware development from design (SRR/PDR/CDR) through qualification, manufacturing, assembly, test, deployment and operations.

Design Ownership:

• Function as the technical authority for specific spacecraft hardware subsystems, ensuring requirements are met and managing engineering changes.

Earned Value Management (EVM):

• Serve as the Cost Account Manager (CAM) for assigned Control Accounts, owning the budget, forecasting, and Earned Value (EV) performance.

Cost & Schedule Management:

• Develop and maintain the performance measurement baseline, including Basis-of-Estimates (BOEs), Estimates at Completion (EACs), and Estimates to Complete (ETCs).

Variance Analysis:

• Proactively identify cost/schedule variances, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Coordinate between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program management.

Customer Interface:

• Present technical and programmatic status at design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: 6–10+ years of progressive engineering experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role within the aerospace or defense industry.
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of full program lifecycle, from conceptual design through integration, test, and on-orbit/flight operations.
• Industry Knowledge: Hands-on experience with FAA, NASA, or DoD standards.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience building and leading teams through the product lifecycle.
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain complex technical concepts to investors, partners, and team members.

Desired Skills & Characteristics

• Entrepreneurial mindset; ability to operate in fast-moving, ambiguous environments.
• Experience with NASA/JSC Class I flight hardware processes.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary and significant equity package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Flexible PTO and holidays