Principal Engineering Manager, Off-Planet Robotic Systems

The role

You will lead the robotics function for an advanced off-planet construction and site preparation platform. This role involves owning the strategic direction, technical execution, and continuous improvement of robotic system design across laboratory, ground support equipment, and flight-critical hardware domains.

What you will do

• Own the robotics system function for the off-planet program.
• Direct and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Make final design decisions on all robotic systems.
• Provide mechanical engineering perspective on Concept of Operations development and platform roadmap.
• Represent ICON at industry events and customer reviews.
• Establish robotic system standards, design processes, and quality practices.
• Lead conceptual and detailed design efforts for robotic systems.
• Execute and oversee FEA and CFD analyses.
• Lead project planning efforts including design strategy and cost/schedule alignment.
• Direct prototyping activities and provide hands-on troubleshooting.

Required qualifications

• B.S. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent technical degree with demonstrated aerospace mechanical design experience
• 12+ years of recent, hands-on experience designing aerospace or equivalent mechanical system elements within aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles
• Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3D modeling tools
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, earn trust, maintain positive relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion

Nice to have

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Deep thermal analysis skills and experience in extreme thermal environments
• Extensive design experience with serial robotic manipulators and robotic system constraints
• Formal systems engineering experience: requirements development, implementation verification, system integration, qualification, and release
• Aerospace actuation design and specification (servo-driven, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems)
• Spacecraft systems design and flight heritage
• Proficiency in Solidworks or equivalent CAD platforms
• Advanced FEA and CFD analysis using ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent tools
• Leadership experience: managing engineers across multiple disciplines, mentoring, and building high-performing technical teams

About the company

ICON is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an innovative, inclusive, diverse and discrimination-free work environment.