As the Technical Director of Off-Planet Systems & Space Robotics, you will own and lead ICON’s off-planet robotics, construction, and materials initiatives across hardware, electrical, software, material science, R&D, and operations. This is a highly strategic and execution-driven leadership role, partnering closely with program management, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to scale ICON’s space robotics and extraterrestrial construction capabilities.

You will shape the long-term technical vision, infrastructure, and execution strategy for ICON’s off-planet programs—driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustained market leadership in autonomous construction beyond Earth.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the extreme owner of ICON’s off-planet systems and space robotics outputs across engineering, R&D, material science, and operations.
• Lead and scale multidisciplinary teams spanning robotics, autonomous systems, material science, and construction technologies.
• Partner closely with program management to execute complex, high-risk, multi-disciplinary initiatives.
• Interface with executive leadership, internal stakeholders, customers, and government partners to align technical strategy with business objectives.
• Build, operate, and continuously evolve a state-of-the-art research and operations facility supporting off-planet robotics and construction programs.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with industry leaders, space agencies, vendors, and critical contractors.
• Develop long-term R&D roadmaps and strategic plans, including resourcing, budgeting, and technical investment priorities.
• Provide broad technical and strategic guidance to VP- and C-level leadership on off-planet business objectives, anticipating market, regulatory, and technological factors influencing medium- and long-term success.
• Lead groups, divisions, and product teams with full accountability for delivery, performance, and outcomes.
• Oversee and integrate all off-planet initiatives, developing new methods and approaches to solve company-wide technical and operational challenges in space robotics and autonomous construction.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
• 15+ years of relevant industry experience, with demonstrated focus on off-planet systems, lunar environments, materials, and/or space robotic systems.
• Proven experience developing multiple products that have achieved space flight or off-planet deployment.
• Demonstrated success building and leading senior-level technical and engineering teams.
• Strong systems engineering expertise with experience managing complex, multidisciplinary systems.
• Excellent interpersonal, executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with autonomous and teleoperated robotic systems in remote or extreme environments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• M.S. or advanced degree in Robotics, Systems Engineering, Material Science, or a related technical field.
• Experience with spaceflight-rated software systems and software quality processes.
• Experience with spaceflight-rated hardware, verification & validation (V&V), and mission-critical systems.
• 10+ years of experience developing and shipping real-time embedded and electro-mechanical systems to end customers (ideally in the space industry).
• Experience with networked and distributed systems.
• Strong understanding of autonomy, robotics, and system-level architectural frameworks.

ICON is looking for a Systems Engineer to manage the cross functional development of our Defense R&D programs promoting the optimization and design of ICON’s 3D printing robotics to meet defense and military application requirements . The ideal candidate should have a solid foundation of systems engineering tools, processes, and methodologies. This individual is extremely proficient at communicating accurate information both out and up, a strong communicator, and has the ability to lead a highly experienced technical development team of engineers and technicians. We need a proactive self-starter who is humble, meticulous, hardworking, collaborative and loves to solve problems. This role will report to the Sr. Director of Defense R&D Programs at our Austin, TX campus. 

RESPONSIBILITIES
Use proven systems engineering approaches,  such as model based system engineering (MBSE) to manage requirements, milestones, and associated programmatic and system needs.
Collaborate with cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams to lead, drive, and execute design, development, and test of robotic construction technology developments tailored for military use. 
Create documentation and organize technical information to serve as deliverables in government contracts, white-papers, and presentations.
Own the execution of multiple programs and their interrelated projects in an organized, detailed manner. Projects require cross-functional coordination, communication, influence, and negotiation, including direct customer interface.
Analyze stakeholder needs across all workstreams to identify gaps, identify risks, and define mitigation for an acceptable and timely solution.
Efficiently communicate project status to stakeholders and leadership via presentations, dashboards, email, verbal, etc.
Assume accountability for the entire program from start to finish while ensuring all project objectives and deliverables are met.
Ability to lead a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team in the development of highly complex and sophisticated electro-mechanical robotic systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or STEM-related field. Mechanical or Electrical engineering background preferred.
5+ years of engineering product development experience with at least 3+ years experience in R&D environments developing new and cutting edge products.  
3+ years of experience in systems engineering with a proven track record of successfully managing hardware system development projects to completion.
Innovative and creative problem solver with meticulous attention to detail and a stickler for time management.
Strong curiosity tendencies and a willingness to challenge the highest technical members on the team in regards to process, approach, technical strategy, and risk.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to filter and distill the relevant information to the right audience.
Comfortable with change and ambiguity with the ability to quickly propose solutions given limited guidance.
Strong understanding of System Engineering principles in regards to requirements capture, risk management, system block diagrams, and work breakdown structures.
Can communicate with technical and non-technical team members effectively.
Experience in R&D engineering, test/validation, and manufacturing.
Adept at communicating in a collaborative team environment and seeking optimum solutions with other team members.
Knowledge of or direct experience with MBSE

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Previous start-up experience, and/or a resourceful innovative nature with an ability to streamline or develop efficient processes.
Ability to prepare written technical documents and to verbally present at various meetings. 
Ability to work with a strong work ethic and close attention to detail in a fast-paced dynamic team environment with rapidly changing roles and responsibilities.
Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering methods.
Experience with the design and development of robotic systems.
Experience in Additive manufacturing technologies.
Experience in managing large-scale and dynamic engineering projects.
M.S. in Systems Engineering or certificates of education in Systems Engineering practices.
Demonstrated ability to grasp new technical concepts quickly and to lead operations and technical teams.
Ability to prioritize and stay cool in a dynamic start-up environment.
A hunger for learning and personal growth.

ICON is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to assist in our Strategic R&D efforts.  As the Mechanical Engineer for Off-Planet Robotics, you will be responsible for the development of conceptual and detailed designs of electro-mechanical systems that will be used off-planet You will also conduct trade studies and ideation exercises, participating in our design review and systems engineering processes, and ultimately flying the hardware you have designed.  This role is an onsite role and is based locally in ICON’s Austin, TX laboratories, and will report to the Senior Director of Off-Planet Systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute in the development of a robotic platform for lunar construction applications, focusing on motion platforms and dynamic fluid systems.
• Design and create prototypes using in-house and external fabrication
• Specify robotic servo-driven actuators using industry standards for aerospace applications, including mobile (rover-based) robotics, and large format, long reach robotic actuators.
• Run FEA and CFD analysis to provide safe and reliable engineered solutions for use in space.
• Provide hands-on, troubleshooting, and build support as well designing, implementing, and integrating solutions in a fast-paced environment with a quick AGILE development cycle.
• Create design solutions utilizing engineering methods with strong documentation processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional, multidisciplinary team members to procure, fabricate, test, and ultimately fly the hardware you have designed.
• Perform a wide range of tasks on a daily basisEstablish individual and team goals consistent with overall company OKRs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years of recent experience designing mechanical system elements including electromechanical systems and/or robotics. .
• Strong experience in R&D product development environments, developing products that utilize and integrate with cutting edge technologies.
• Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3D CAD tools, preferably Solidworks.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Ability to work with and/or take direction well from a variety of peer team members in other fields of discipline.
• Strong understanding of DFM principles.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.S. or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Strong understanding of optical principles, opto-mechanical design, and space environmental considerations. 
• Experience in mechanical design within aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles
• Strong thermal analysis skills.
• Past design experience in extreme thermal environments.
• Familiarity with serial robotic arm operations and design constraints.
• Experience in systems engineering principles: requirements development, implementation, verification, system integration, qualification and release.
• Experience in spacecraft systems design.
• Experience in Solidworks and PDM.
• Experience in structural FEA and CFD using ANSYS or similar tools.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and outdoor conditions.
• Physical effort may be required for the handling of supplies or materials (up to 50 lbs unassisted).

• Contribute in the development of a robotic platform for terrestrial construction applications, focusing on motion platforms and dynamic fluid systems.
• Design and create prototypes using in-house and external fabrication.
• Specify robotic servo-driven actuators using industry standards for mechanical applications, including motion robotics, and large format, long reach robotic actuators.
• Provide hands-on, troubleshooting, and build support as well designing, implementing, and integrating solutions in a fast-paced environment with a quick AGILE development cycle.
• Create design solutions utilizing engineering methods with strong documentation processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional, multidisciplinary team members to procure, fabricate, test, and ultimately deploy the hardware you have designed.
• Support and take direction from the Lead Mechanical Engineer as well as other senior engineers on staff
• Perform a wide range of tasks on a daily basis
• Establish individual and team goals consistent with overall company OKRs

• B.S. degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years of recent experience designing mechanical system elements including electromechanical systems and/or robotics.
• Affinity for hands-on work outdoors supporting robotic application and feasibility testing.
• Experience in R&D product development environments, developing products that utilize and integrate with cutting edge technologies.
• Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3D CAD tools, preferably Solidworks.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Ability to work with and exchange ideas well from a variety of peer team members in other fields of discipline.
• Strong understanding of DFM principles.

• Experience in mechanical design within industrial robotic systems.
• Familiarity with serial robotic arm operations and design constraints.
• Experience in systems engineering principles: requirements development, implementation, verification, system integration, qualification and release.
• Experience in robotic systems design including electrical and controls engineering.
• Experience in Solidworks and PDM.
• Experience in structural FEA and CFD using ANSYS or similar tools.

• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and outdoor conditions.
• Physical effort may be required for the handling of supplies or materials (up to 50 lbs unassisted).