> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/145493-vice-president-engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/145493-vice-president-engineering). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Vice President, Engineering - **Company:** Paragon Space Development Corporation - **Location:** Houston, TX, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $180,000.0 - $230,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Adobe InDesign, Systems Engineering, Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA), MATLAB, Systems Integration, Ansys - **Published:** May 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=431f18a6c1781b2f ## About the Role * 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). ## Description 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., 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. ## Related Videos - [Successful talent development: A joint journey of executives and talents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1002-successful-talent-development-a-joint-journey-of-executives-and-talents) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Cloud Vendor Lock-In - Is it just a new version of the Database Abstraction Layers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1185-cloud-vendor-lock-in-is-it-just-a-new-version-of-the-database-abstraction-layers) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Engineering/Manager Pendulum: Generating compound interest on your career](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100348-engineering-manager-pendulum-generating-compound-interest-on-your-career) - [Colorful quantum randomness](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100257-colorful-quantum-randomness) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [The Prompt Engineer ✍️](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/216-the-prompt-engineer) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)