> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4521766-structures-mechanisms-ipt-program-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4521766-structures-mechanisms-ipt-program-lead). 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).

---

# Structures & Mechanisms IPT Program Lead

- **Company:** Vanderhouwen & Associates, Inc.
- **Location:** Houston, TX, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $163,000.0 - $217,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Network Interface Controllers, Expert Systems, Microsoft Project, Primavera, Requirements Management, Software Requirements Analysis
- **Published:** November 2, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.vanderhouwen.com/job_posting/structures-mechanisms-ipt-program-lead-73626/

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
 * 10+ years of experience in spacecraft or launch vehicle structures and mechanisms development, systems engineering, or project engineering, including leading integrated product teams or multidisciplinary technical teams.
 * Proven track record delivering space hardware through the full lifecycle, from design through qualification, acceptance, and flight or operation.
 * Deep technical expertise in structural analysis, mechanism design, loads, materials, and environmental testing.
 * Expert systems engineering skills, including requirements management, interface control, verification planning, configuration management, and risk management.
 * Strong program management skills, including integrated scheduling, budgeting, estimate at completion, and earned value management, using tools such as Microsoft Project or Primavera.
 * Demonstrated ability to lead and influence without direct authority in a matrixed organization.
 * Experience leading major milestone reviews and working with NASA, DoD, or commercial customers.
 * Experience managing suppliers and subcontractors on cost, schedule, technical, and verification deliverables.
 * Strong communication, collaboration, and executive-presence skills, with a sense of urgency and ownership in fast-moving environments.
 * Ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required, and the role may involve export-controlled information.
 * Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Preferred:

 * Advanced degree in a technical discipline.
 * Familiarity with human-rated spaceflight safety and hazard processes and pressure system requirements.
 * Track record of delivering in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.

## Description

Our client, a fast-growing commercial space company building next-generation orbital infrastructure, is seeking a Structures & Mechanisms IPT Program Lead to take full ownership of its structures and mechanisms portfolio. You will drive delivery from early requirements through design, qualification, and flight readiness. This is a high-visibility leadership role for someone who combines hands-on aerospace hardware expertise with strong program management and the presence to align engineers, suppliers, and executives around one integrated plan.

This role is on-site in Houston, Texas.

Structures & Mechanisms IPT Program Lead Responsibilities

 * Own the overall success of the structures and mechanisms program, including scope, requirements, deliverables, schedule, and budget, from concept through qualification, acceptance, and flight readiness.
 * Act as the single point of accountability and primary contact for program leadership, executives, and customers, including government agencies, providing clear updates on technical progress, cost, schedule, and risk.
 * Lead and mentor cross-functional engineering teams, setting priorities, establishing team rhythms, and clearing obstacles to keep work moving.
 * Define and maintain the technical baseline, including requirements flow-down, interface control with adjacent subsystems, verification strategy, and configuration management.
 * Guide the program through major design and readiness milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and qualification and acceptance reviews), making sure entrance and exit criteria are met.
 * Partner with functional managers in a matrixed environment to negotiate staffing, technical approach, test facility access, and competing program priorities.
 * Manage suppliers and subcontractors, including statements of work, deliverables, cost and schedule performance, and verification data.
 * Build and maintain the integrated schedule, budget, and estimate at completion, and track cost and schedule performance against plan.
 * Lead risk and opportunity management, safety and hazard integration, and anomaly and issue closure, driving timely, data-driven decisions.
 * Run system-level trade studies that weigh proven heritage designs against new development across performance, safety, cost, schedule, and risk.
 * Support proposal development, basis-of-estimate preparation, and new business capture for current and future efforts.