Job Details

Chief Race Architect

Remote or Hybrid

Atlas Cup is building the world's first professional orbital racing league — creating a new category of sport at the intersection of spaceflight, AI, and global media.

Competition in orbit requires more than fast spacecraft. It requires precise mission design, safe multi-vehicle operations, and race formats that are technically rigorous, repeatable, and compelling to fans.

We're hiring our first Chief Race Architect to design and lead the technical foundation of competition itself — from orbital course design to operational standards and multi-spacecraft coordination.

This is a founding technical leadership role for someone who has designed and operated real missions — and wants to invent an entirely new form of space activity.

What You'll Do

• Define the technical architecture of Atlas Cup races and orbital competitions
• Design orbital courses, maneuver profiles, and mission constraints
• Establish safety, operations, and flight dynamics standards for multi-vehicle racing
• Lead race mission planning, simulation, and validation efforts
• Develop rules and technical requirements that ensure fairness and performance
• Partner with teams on spacecraft capabilities, maneuver strategies, and integration
• Build the simulation, visualization, and tooling stack to model races end-to-end
• Collaborate internally and with partners to ensure competitions are understandable and compelling for spectators
• Serve as a core technical leader within Atlas Cup's executive team
• Travel as needed (~25%) to support testing, partners, and events
  

Who You Are

• 10+ years in astrodynamics, mission design, or spacecraft systems engineering
• Hands-on experience planning and operating active space missions
• Deep understanding of orbital mechanics, rendezvous/proximity ops, and multi-spacecraft coordination
• Comfortable making first-principles decisions in novel environments
• Systems thinker who can translate complex flight concepts into clear operational frameworks
• Calm under pressure and effective leading cross-functional technical teams
• Thrive in early-stage, build-from-scratch environments
  

Nice to Have

• Launch campaign or flight operations experience
• Experience with maneuverable spacecraft, OTVs, or upper stages
• Simulation, modeling, or visualization software development
• Experience working with regulatory or safety standards
• Startup or venture-backed company experience

Advanced degree in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, or related field preferred.

What We Offer

• Founding technical leadership role defining a new category of spaceflight
• Competitive salary + meaningful equity
• Remote or hybrid flexibility (San Francisco HQ planned)
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), unlimited PTO, and standard benefits

Compensation: $155,000 – $185,000 base + equity (based on experience and location)

Atlas Cup is an equal opportunity employer and values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

Interested? ...@atlascup.com