Vice President Engineering Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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 provide technologies that enable human survival and exploration in extreme environments. We 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

We are seeking a Vice President of Engineering to spearhead our multidisciplinary teams in the design and delivery of next-generation space life-support technologies. In this role, you will be the senior leader and primary steward of Paragon's engineering excellence, overseeing everything from initial R&D and product support to manufacturing integration. You will be responsible for building high-performing teams and ensuring our engineering strategies directly support our mission to enable human exploration in extreme environments.

The Paragon VP of Engineering must be a strategic leader, balancing innovation and execution, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with aerospace quality and regulatory standards.

In a small company environment, this role requires a "roll-up-your-sleeves" mindset, bridging high-level strategic planning with direct involvement in design reviews, root-cause investigations, and manufacturing integration.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Set the long-term vision and strategy for Paragon's engineering organization in alignment with company goals and customer mission needs.
• Build and lead a high-performing engineering team spanning ECLSS, systems engineering, electrical, thermal, test, analysis, and manufacturing engineering functions.
• Collaborate with executive leadership (Programs, Operations, Finance, HR, and Business Development) to align engineering priorities with contract performance, program schedules, and profitability.

Technical Excellence

• Own the end-to-end technical vision, architecture, and product roadmap, ensuring systems are scalable, cost-effective, and aligned with business goals.

Engineering Excellence

• Ensure engineering processes, tools, and practices meet industry standards and customer expectations (NASA, DoD, commercial space).
• Oversee systems integration and verification/validation efforts to ensure mission readiness.
• Drive innovation in design, testing, and manufacturing approaches to maintain Paragon's competitive advantage.

Program & Project Execution

• Partner with Program Management to ensure engineering deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Establish and monitor technical milestones, ensuring proper risk management and mitigation strategies are in place.
• Support business development efforts by providing technical leadership in proposals, customer engagements, and design reviews.

Talent Development

• Attract, retain, and develop world-class engineering talent.
• Foster a culture of mentorship, technical rigor, and accountability.
• Implement clear career pathways, succession planning, and skills development across engineering levels.

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 paid holidays.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: 12–15+ years of progressive engineering experience, with at least 5+ years in a senior 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 engineering teams and leading through a high-growth phase.
• Compliance: Ability to maintain U.S. Security Clearance (TS/SCI or DoD Secret) as required.
• 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.
• Strong technical background in CAD software (CATIA/NX) and Simulation tools (ANSYS/MATLAB).