Parts and Reliability Engineer

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people who bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward. 

Scout is seeking a highly experienced Parts Engineering and Reliability Engineering Subject Matter Expert to join our Mission Assurance team. This individual will play a key role in flight assurance, serving as the technical authority for electronic, electromechanical, and mechanical (EEE/EM) parts selection, qualification, and reliability across our optical payload and launch vehicle component product lines. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for a seasoned engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, seed-stage space startup environment and wants to help build parts and reliability engineering processes from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Own the parts engineering program, including EEE parts selection, derating analysis, screening, and qualification for space flight hardware
• Develop and maintain the Approved Parts List (APL) / Preferred Parts List (PPL) and associated parts control procedures
• Lead reliability engineering activities, including FMEA/FMECA, worst-case analysis (WCA), stress analysis, and reliability predictions
• Evaluate and disposition non-standard parts, GIDEP alerts, and parts obsolescence issues
• Support radiation tolerance assessments (TID, SEE) for parts used in space environments
• Partner with design, systems, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure parts and materials selections meet mission reliability requirements for optical payloads and satellite subsystems
• Establish and mature parts engineering and reliability procedures, work instructions, and forms as part of the company’s AS9100 Rev D quality management system buildout
• Support supplier quality assessments related to parts sourcing, counterfeit parts avoidance (AS5553), and traceability
• Represent parts and reliability engineering in design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and provide risk assessments to program management
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical rigor and mission assurance excellence 

Required Qualifications

• 10 years experience working in space/aerospace industry
• Prior experience at a satellite, optical payload, or launch vehicle manufacturer
• Experience with NASA or DoD space system standards (e.g., NPR 8705.4, SMC-S-009, MIL-STD-1547, MIL-STD-883)
• Enthusiastic attitude towards individual and team work and collaborating with geographically diverse offices
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts and technical information clearly and concisely   

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years experience working in space/aerospace industry
• Prior experience at a satellite, optical payload, or launch vehicle manufacturer
• Familiarity with DFARS/ITAR compliance considerations in a parts sourcing context
• Experience building parts engineering programs from scratch at an early-stage company
• Working knowledge of PLM/parts database tools 

Benefits

• Open Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
• Wellness Stipend
• Work From Home Stipend
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability plans
• Commuter Benefit
• Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. While we welcome remote candidates, we have a preference for candidates in or around the Washington, DC metropolitan area (or willing to relocate) to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We’re Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.

Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $120,000 - $200,000.