Remote Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Scout 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 Space is seeking a dynamic, organized, and driven Capture Manager to join our expanding team. As a company at the forefront of space domain awareness (SDA), optical sensing payloads, and on-orbit autonomy, Scout is looking for an individual capable of independently owning complex captures and proposals while serving as the primary liaison between business development and technical teams to develop mission-aligned solutions. The Capture Manager will be responsible for leading the end-to-end capture process-from early opportunity shaping through proposal submission-while establishing and scaling companywide processes to ensure consistent success in capturing new business.
Responsibilities

• Lead capture strategy and execution for priority opportunities aligned with Scout's SDA payloads and mission software
• Analyze customer needs, mission requirements, and competitive landscape to shape and position opportunities early
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and leadership teams to define mission architectures and technical solutions
• Own development of compliant, compelling technical proposals and supporting materials
• Translate Scout's capabilities into clear, mission-relevant value propositions and win themes
• Coordinate cross-functionally to align technical, pricing, and programmatic inputs
• Engage with customers, partners, and industry stakeholders to strengthen positioning and relationships
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve proposal competitiveness
• Build and maintain reusable proposal content and capture best practices
• Continuously refine capture processes to improve win rates and execution efficiency

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in capture management, engineering, business development, or leading technical proposals within aerospace, defense, or similar advanced technology sectors
• Background supporting government and/or commercial space customers, including experience working directly with federal agencies or prime contractors
• Proven track record of leading or playing a key role in complex capture efforts, technical proposal volumes, or large-scale submissions
• Solid knowledge of spacecraft systems, payloads, or broader mission architectures
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and translate them into compelling, mission-focused proposals and value propositions
• Experience leading cross-functional collaboration and driving schedules across engineering, product, and business teams in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust quickly as requirements evolve
• Exceptional attention to detail, particularly in developing clear, accurate, and technically sound proposal content
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work seamlessly across technical and non-technical teams
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, high-growth environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in satellite manufacturing or related aerospace, defense, or high-tech industries
• Experience in space domain awareness, national security space, or satellite systems
• Familiarity with SSC, AFRL, NRO, SDA, or USSPACECOM customers
• Experience capturing follow-on or production-scale opportunities
• Existing relationships with government stakeholders, primes, and partners in the national security space ecosystem
• Prior experience at a startup or high-growth aerospace/defense company
• Active security clearance

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. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team 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: $110,000 - $160,000.