Head of Launch Systems
- Compensation
- $145K–$230K / yr
- Location
- Long Beach, California
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- C level
- Employment
- Full time
- Experience
- 8+ years
- Category
- Not specified
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 8+ yrs of progressive engineering experience in ground support, launch ground systems, or industrial/energy ground infrastructure.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with two or more of the following system domains:
- Electrical systems (power distribution, wiring harnesses, control electronics)
- Power systems (prime power, UPS, switching, protection)
- Pneumatic systems (high-pressure gas handling, regulators, valves)
- Hydraulic systems (actuators, manifolds, fluid circuits)
- Structural/mechanical systems (fabricated ground structures, mechanisms, tight tolerance structures)
- Experience leading or co-leading a multi-discipline engineering team on a hardware development program.
- Background in aerospace ground systems (launch vehicles, missiles, satellites) or a similar discipline (oil and gas, automotive, large field equipment)
- Familiarity with requirements management, design review processes, and systems engineering fundamentals.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
- This is an on-site role based in Long Beach, California.
Nice to have
- Master’s degree in engineering or a related field.
- Experience with canister-based or VLS (Vertical Launch System) launch system design and integration.
- Background with ISO container-based mobile systems or rapidly deployable weapon/sensor platforms.
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-HDBK-17 or equivalent standards.
- Experience with structural fabrication and inspection to AWS D1.1, AWS 17.1, or equivalent
- Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
- Hands-on experience with the integration and testing of propulsion or energetics ground systems.
- Knowledge of safety and reliability methodologies, including FMEA, FTA, and PHA.
- Program management exposure (Earned Value, IMS, risk registers).
Full description
Long Wall Company was created in 2024 to accelerate missile defense technology for the U.S. and our allies. We specialize in ballistic missile defense and are developing Cyclops, a low-cost, mass-producible interceptor. We also produce containerized launchers and offer low-cost targets for threat replication. The future of global security depends on defensive technology that redefines cost, magazine depth, and distribution to deter and defend against evolving threats. Join us.
WHAT WE LOOK FORMission-Driven Problem Solvers – The problems in missile defense demand ingenuity. We want engineers, technicians, and corporate professionals who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay focused on delivering the best solution for the mission.
Total Ownership – We seek those who take full responsibility for delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers, technicians, and corporate professionals make their teammates better, knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success.
Head of Launch Systems
Description
We are seeking an experienced and driven Head of Launch System to lead the design, development, integration, and qualification of interceptor launchers and ground support equipment. These launchers will enable deployment of a missile defense interceptors in low cost, discreet form factors. This leader will own the full system lifecycle, from design through fielding across all subsystem domains including electrical, power, pneumatic, hydraulic, structural systems, and USG safety requirements. This role will carry forward Long Wall’s proven track record of developing mobile launch systems and leverage the heritage of operating the Ironwood ground system for liquid launch vehicles. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for both technical excellence and people management.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
System Design & Development
- Lead end-to-end design and development of a 40-ft containerized launch system for a new interceptor, meeting all performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
- Architect, detailed design and validation of all major subsystems, including:
- Electrical systems — power distribution, control wiring, and system interfaces
- Power systems — primary and backup power, energy storage, and conversion
- Pneumatic systems — high-pressure gas management, purge, and actuation circuits
- Hydraulic systems — actuator control, pressure regulation, and fluid management
- Structural systems — Container mechanical (welded structures and mechanisms) design and structural, thermal, vibration , and acoustic analysis