Senior Vice President, Space Dynamics & Mission Autonomy

Senior Vice President, Space Dynamics & Mission Autonomy
Company: Slingshot Aerospace
Department: Aerospace Engineering & Advanced Technology
Location: Remote – United States
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job Level: Senior Executive Leadership
Reports To: Chief Technology Officer

Position Overview

Slingshot Aerospace is seeking an accomplished aerospace technology executive to provide strategic leadership across spacecraft dynamics, autonomous space systems, orbital mechanics, and advanced mission engineering.

The Senior Vice President of Space Dynamics & Mission Autonomy will play a significant role in advancing the organization's technology strategy, strengthening engineering capabilities, and guiding the development of innovative solutions for complex space operations.

The successful candidate will bring exceptional technical expertise, demonstrated research leadership, and the ability to translate advanced aerospace science into practical technological applications. This executive will work across engineering, research, product development, and strategic partnerships to support long-term innovation and organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Technology Strategy: Develop and execute long-term technology strategies covering spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, autonomous systems, and advanced mission engineering.
• Aerospace Innovation: Lead the development and evaluation of advanced spacecraft control architectures, nonlinear control methodologies, and autonomous operational capabilities.
• Space Operations: Provide technical direction across orbital modeling, formation flying, space situational awareness, and advanced simulation.
• Research and Development: Direct research initiatives and translate emerging scientific discoveries into practical aerospace technologies and operational solutions.
• Executive Leadership: Advise senior leadership on technology investments, engineering priorities, research partnerships, and innovation opportunities.
• Engineering Management: Provide strategic oversight to multidisciplinary engineering and research teams delivering complex aerospace technology programs.
• Strategic Partnerships: Establish and strengthen relationships with universities, government research institutions, defense organizations, and commercial aerospace stakeholders.
• Technology Commercialization: Identify opportunities to commercialize advanced research, intellectual property, and aerospace engineering capabilities.
• Organizational Development: Promote technical excellence, engineering standards, research collaboration, and continuous innovation.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Extensive professional experience in spacecraft dynamics, attitude determination and control, astrodynamics, and orbital mechanics.
• Demonstrated expertise in spacecraft formation flying, nonlinear dynamics, autonomous control systems, or advanced aerospace simulation.
• Significant experience leading multidisciplinary engineering, research, or advanced technology development initiatives.
• Strong record of technical publications, research contributions, and professional engagement within the aerospace industry.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Proven strategic decision-making and organizational leadership capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising aerospace organizations, government agencies, or commercial space technology companies.
• Experience translating academic research into operational aerospace applications.
• Established professional relationships across the commercial space, defense, and research communities.
• Experience overseeing externally funded research programs and multi-institution technical collaborations.
• Experience providing executive-level technical counsel or strategic advisory services.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base Salary: $390,000–$495,000+ annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Performance Bonus: Target annual incentive of 35%–45% of base salary, subject to applicable performance and compensation arrangements.
• Equity Participation: Long-term incentive opportunities aligned with organizational growth and executive contributions.
• Healthcare: Executive healthcare coverage and wellness benefits.
• Paid Leave: Enhanced paid time off and applicable employee leave benefits.
• Retirement: 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution, subject to plan terms.
• Additional Benefits: Executive-level benefits and professional development opportunities.

Work Arrangement
This is a fully remote executive position open to qualified candidates based in the United States.

The successful candidate will have the flexibility to work remotely while maintaining effective collaboration with executive leadership, engineering teams, research partners, and other organizational stakeholders.

Occasional domestic or international travel may be required for strategic engagements, industry events, and organizational priorities.

Relocation is not required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Slingshot Aerospace is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, professional experience, capabilities, and organizational requirements, in accordance with applicable employment laws.