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Contract Lunar Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability ... Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource ...

Contracts Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability ... Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource ...

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Contract Lunar Design information

See salary details

$75.5K

$128.3K

$188K

How much do contract lunar design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract lunar design in the United States is $128,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract lunar designers when working with multidisciplinary teams on space missions?

Contract lunar designers often collaborate with engineers, scientists, and mission planners, which can present challenges in aligning design concepts with technical requirements and mission objectives. Communication is key, as design choices must meet strict safety, material, and regulatory standards unique to lunar environments. Balancing creative innovation with the pragmatic constraints of space missions can be demanding, but it also offers opportunities to develop unique solutions and contribute to groundbreaking projects. Staying adaptable and open to feedback is essential for success in this dynamic and collaborative role.

What is a Contract Lunar Designer?

A Contract Lunar Designer is a professional who creates and develops designs for projects related to lunar exploration or habitation, typically on a contract or freelance basis. Their work may involve designing habitats, vehicles, equipment, or mission layouts intended for use on the Moon. They collaborate with engineers, scientists, and space agencies to ensure that their designs are feasible, safe, and meet specific mission requirements. Contract Lunar Designers need a strong background in engineering, architecture, or industrial design, along with specialized knowledge of space environments. This role is critical in advancing lunar missions and ensuring the success of future human and robotic activities on the Moon.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Lunar Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Lunar Designer, you need expertise in aerospace engineering, planetary science, and architectural design, often supported by a relevant engineering or architecture degree. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and simulation platforms, as well as knowledge of lunar environment standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and project management skills help distinguish top candidates in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing safe, innovative, and feasible solutions for lunar habitats and infrastructure in challenging extraterrestrial environments.

What is the difference between Contract Lunar Design vs Contract Spacecraft Design?

AspectContract Lunar DesignContract Spacecraft Design
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized in lunar environmentsEngineering degree, specialized in spacecraft systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning for lunar surface conditions, collaboration with lunar missionsDesigning for spaceflight, collaboration with satellite and spacecraft projects
Industry UsageSpace agencies, lunar exploration companiesSpace agencies, satellite and space vehicle manufacturers
Common Search IntentComparing roles in lunar missionsComparing roles in spacecraft development

Contract Lunar Design focuses on creating systems and components suitable for lunar surface conditions, often involving specialized knowledge of lunar geology and environment. Contract Spacecraft Design covers a broader range of space vehicles, including satellites and deep-space probes. While both roles require aerospace engineering credentials and work within the space industry, their specific focus areas differ, making each role unique in its application and expertise.

More about Contract Lunar Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Lunar Design jobs? Cities with the most Contract Lunar Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lunar Design jobs? The most popular types of Lunar Design jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Lunar Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Lunar Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Lunar Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Lunar Design jobs are:
Manager, Core Electronics Functional Card Test - Lunar Permanence

Manager, Core Electronics Functional Card Test - Lunar Permanence

Blue Origin, LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Build and lead a team of test engineers and technical specialists responsible for functional test, bring-up, and critical review of avionics circuit card assemblies.

  • Stand up and operate the in-house functional card-test capability, including ownership of test procedures, tester hardware, Card Interface Devices, and data deliverables for screening defects at the card level.

  • Own the risk-based, evidence-gated test coverage strategy, including criteria for test coverage adjustments as contract-manufacturer process maturity is demonstrated.


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!
This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin's Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.
As part of a hardworking team of engineers and technical specialists, you will directly impact the history of space exploration and demonstrate your commitment to safe, reliable, and repeatable spaceflight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and advancing Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.
This opportunity reports to the Director of the Core Components Test group within the Lunar Permanence business unit. This Manager position builds and leads a team of test engineers and technical specialists responsible for the functional test, bring-up, and critical review of the avionics circuit card assemblies (CCAs) that populate the lander's electronic enclosures.
You will grow the card test organization from the ground up - recruiting, hiring, and developing the engineers who stand up our functional card test capability - and you will own the technical quality of their work. This includes responsibility for the standards, processes, and tools used in functional card test: the in-house testing capability, test procedure development, Card Interface Devices, and data deliverables, as well as the test coverage strategy, capital, and delivery schedule.
Passion for our mission and vision is required. If you are excited by delivering both near-term and long-term value, solving novel problems, learning new topics, and completing challenging projects, please apply!
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Build the card test team - recruit, hire, and onboard test engineers and technical specialists, sequencing hiring so that test capability stands
  • up ahead of card arrival dates
  • Supply the people, processes, and tools needed to meet the demand signals specified by project and program managers
  • Supply staffing to projects, reconciling project needs with staff capabilities and negotiating time commitments
  • Stand up and operate the in-house functional card-test capability - owning test procedures, tester hardware, Card Interface
  • Devices, and data deliverables required to screen defects at the card level before box integration
  • Own the risk-based, evidence-gated test coverage strategy - testing heavily on early units to earn confidence, then stepping coverage down as
  • contract-manufacturer process maturity is demonstrated - including the criteria that justify reduced coverage
  • Drive the transition of card test from development into sustained production execution
  • Manage direct reports' professional development and coach them on maximizing performance
  • Ensure staff are properly trained, including participation in the Blue Origin safety culture
  • Coordinate and integrate with similar functional teams and expertise across the company - including Card Design Responsible Engineers,
  • Operations/Production, Quality, and contract manufacturers
  • Build relationships with external stakeholders in the domain area for benchmarking, recruiting pipeline, and collaboration purposes
  • Perform technical work where needed and provide technical leadership
  • Exemplify high standards of conduct for team members

Minimum Qualifications:
  • B.S. degree in Electrical, Computer, or Aerospace engineering or equivalent
  • 6+ years of relevant engineering experience, including experience leading or directing the work of other engineers (formal management experience
  • or demonstrated technical lead role)
  • 3+ years of experience with functional test, automated test equipment (ATE), or board/box-level electronics test
  • Experience building or growing a team, or standing up a new test or manufacturing capability under schedule pressure
  • History of developing solutions with partially defined requirements and changing criteria
  • History of managing schedules, budgets, and/or headcount
  • Experience working with component suppliers, contract manufacturers, and distributors
  • Ability to be self-directed and balance multiple projects at one time
  • History of communicating status, technical concepts, and results effectively
  • Familiarity with functional test coverage, fault detection, and test-escape cost models
  • Familiarity with contract-manufacturer test strategies (in-circuit test, flying probe, automated functional test) and the associated make-vs-buy
  • tradeoffs
  • Familiarity with circuit card assembly workmanship standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001 Class 3)
  • Experience performing failure analysis and establishing root cause / corrective action
  • Flexibility and openness to tackling varied assignments and learning new skills

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience recruiting and hiring engineering talent and building a team from a small core
  • Experience with high-volume, high-mix circuit card test in aerospace, defense, or comparable high-reliability environments
  • Experience transitioning a test capability from development into sustained production
  • Background spanning multiple electronics disciplines (digital, analog, power, RF/high-voltage)
  • Experience with in-circuit test platforms (e.g., Keysight i3070) and/or flying-probe systems
  • Experience with circuit card design and acceptance per IPC-A-610 and/or J standards
  • Familiarity with environmental and acceptance testing methods relevant to flight electronics (random vibration, shock, thermal cycle, TVAC,
  • EMI/RFI)
  • Experience with test data management and data-deliverable requirements for flight hardware

Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $150,743.00 - $211,039.50
Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Export Control Regulations
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits
  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000