Director of Space Engineering

Position Summary

Lead Thoriva AI’s space engineering strategy, solution development, and technical execution across national security space, defense mission systems, commercial space, and emerging lunar/cislunar infrastructure markets. This role translates mission needs into secure AI, edge computing, DevSecOps, mission software, and space systems solutions for government and industry customers.

Essential Responsibilities

· Lead space engineering strategy across national security space, defense space, commercial space, lunar infrastructure, space manufacturing, and cislunar mission areas.

· Develop technical solutions for mission planning, space command and control, autonomy, AI-enabled operations, data fusion, satellite operations, and cloud-to-edge deployment.

· Support capture, proposals, white papers, customer briefings, technical demonstrations, and strategic partner discussions.

· Define reusable reference architectures for secure AI mission systems across cloud, edge, disconnected, and classified environments.

· Mentor architects, engineers, product teams, and mission SMEs supporting space programs.

· Represent Thoriva AI with senior government, military, prime contractor, and commercial space stakeholders.

Minimum Required Qualifications

· Demonstrated understanding of national security space, satellite systems, ground systems, mission software, command and control, space domain awareness, or related mission architectures.

· Experience shaping technical solutions for federal, defense, intelligence, aerospace, or space customers.

· Working knowledge of secure cloud, edge computing, DevSecOps, AI/ML, data platforms, and cyber-secure mission environments.

· Ability to brief executives, operators, engineers, acquisition leaders, and technical review boards.

Preferred Qualifications

· Active TS/SCI clearance.

· Experience with Space Force, SDA, NRO, NGA, NASA, DoW space programs, or major aerospace/defense primes.

· Experience with lunar systems, cislunar operations, space manufacturing, digital twins, robotics, autonomy, RMF, ATO, or cATO.

Success Outcomes

· Establish Thoriva AI as a credible technical leader in space and defense AI.

· Create reusable architectures that move from prototype to funded program.

· Grow opportunities across Space Force, DoW, IC, NASA, and commercial space markets.