R&D Solutions Engineer Position at HEO Technology Highly automated software meets sophisticated hardware to deliver non-Earth imaging at scale. HEO Inspect 3.0 The gateway to non-Earth imaging and insights Non-Earth Imaging Cameras Simply make your mission NEI capable Tessera Turn on your sovereign NEI capability Solutions Increase your confidence in your space operations with non-Earth imagery. Defence & Intelligence In-orbit insights at scale for a strategic advantage Satellite Operators On-demand NEI data and insights services Civil Governments Spacecraft insights for space domain awareness and sustainability Company Learn more about HEO and non-Earth imaging. About Learn more
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the team pioneering commercial non-Earth imaging Stories News from low-Earth orbit and beyond Careers Explore open positions at HEO Global USA Home Technology Highly automated software meets sophisticated hardware to deliver non-Earth imaging at scale. HEO Inspect 3.0 The gateway to non-Earth imaging and insights Non-Earth Imaging Cameras Simply make your mission NEI capable Tessera Turn on your sovereign NEI capability Solutions Increase your confidence in your space operations with non-Earth imagery. Defence & Intelligence In-orbit insights for a strategic advantage Satellite Operators NEI data and insights services at scale Civil Governments Spacecraft insights for space domain awareness and sustainability Company Learn more about HEO and non-Earth Imaging About Learn more
about the company pioneering commercial non-Earth imaging Stories News from low-Earth orbit and beyond Careers Join us on our mission to make space transparent Select your region Global USA Contact R&D Solutions Engineer We are a rapidly growing, US-based space startup revolutionizing satellite imaging using advanced in-orbit capabilities. Specifically, our expertise lies in leveraging in-space assets for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Non-Earth Imaging (NEI). As an international company, we navigate a unique landscape while delivering critical services to our clients. Having recently secured several significant contracts, we are expanding our team to meet the exciting demands of our growth. To support this next phase, we’re building a high-performing, interdisciplinary team capable of pushing the boundaries of space technology. We’re looking for talented, passionate people who value collaboration, growth, and learning to join us. HEO is a post-Series A company backed by high-profile venture funds including Airtree, Y Combinator, and In-Q-Tel. We are headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with offices in London, UK, and Washington, D.C., USA. The Opportunity We are seeking a Principal R&D Solutions Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority for our major US Government (USG) programs. This is a high-level technical leadership role responsible for architecting and delivering bespoke solutions for national security stakeholders. You will be the technical bridge for HEO USA, responsible for delivering non-recurring engineering (NRE) solutions and driving the development of experimental features based on specific USG mission needs. As the first Solutions Engineer hire in the USA, you will be a foundational leader responsible for building and scaling our domestic engineering capabilities. While you will initially act as a high-level individual contributor, you will have the ability to lead and grow the R&D arm of our US Delivery Team, establishing the technical standards and pipelines required to support a growing portfolio. Our established Australia-based engineering team will provide technical support and guidance to ensure your success. Key
Responsibilities Primary Technical POC: Serve as the lead technical interface for major USG projects, translating complex HEO system capabilities into mission-ready solutions for government stakeholders. Ad Hoc to Automation: Lead the “R&D to Ops” pipeline by designing and executing plans for the successful collection of NEI and other critical SDA data under challenging circumstances. Develop novel approaches to extract SDA insights, and implement Python software to operationalize these capabilities for the Space Imagery Analyst (SIA) team. Advanced Mission Modeling: Utilize Systems Tool Kit (STK), and Python-based libraries to model complex satellite encounters, optimize sensor tasking, and validate orbital dynamics for GEO and LEO mission expansion. Advanced SDA Development: Research and implement novel analysis techniques and data visualization methods to enhance the HEO Inspect platform for national security users. Mission Framework Expansion: Direct the technical development and expansion of our GEO mission frameworks while scaling and optimizing our LEO operational capabilities. MVP Development: Rapidly ideate and develop minimum viable products and experimental features to test directly with USG customers for rapid feedback. Subcontractor Technical Vetting: Lead the technical evaluation of potential subcontractors to ensure their capabilities align with the high standards of our USG contracts.
Qualifications Experience: 10+ years of significant industry experience in space mission analysis, orbital mechanics, or satellite operations, with or in support of the US Intelligence Community (IC) or DoD. NRE Expertise: Demonstrated experience in non-recurring engineering and the ability to build custom technical solutions for complex space domain challenges. Technical Proficiencies: Advanced proficiency in Python for data analysis; expert-level experience with STK or similar high-fidelity orbital modeling software for mission modeling and orbital mechanics. Leadership: Strong technical leadership skills with the ability to manage high-stakes customer relationships and grow an engineering discipline within a startup environment. Domain Focus: Deep background in LEO/GEO mission operations and/or development of mission operations and ground segment software. Education: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field. Security Requirement: Active Top Secret clearance preferred; must have the ability to obtain or maintain a US government Top Secret security clearance. Rewards &
Benefits We understand that a competitive offer extends beyond base salary. As a rapidly growing startup, we're committed to building a highly motivated team and believe in sharing our success. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent: Competitive Base Salary: We offer a strong base salary commensurate with your experience and the significant impact you'll have on our growth. Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP): As an early-stage employee, you'll receive a meaningful grant of employee stock options. This provides you with an ownership stake in our company and the opportunity to share directly in our future success. We believe in aligning your contributions with our collective growth, offering substantial upside potential as we achieve our ambitious milestones. Company-sponsored 401(k): Matching contributions vested immediately. Comprehensive Healthcare: Your well-being is a priority. We provide a robust employer-sponsored healthcare plan to ensure you and your family have access to quality medical care. Generous Paid Time Off: We value work-life balance and offer annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plus additional dedicated sick days. Paid Federal Holidays: Enjoy all federal holidays throughout the year, allowing you to recharge and spend time with loved ones. What We Value: You’ll love being on our team if you are someone who: Thrives in an ambiguous, semi-structured and dynamic environment. Upholds the highest level of integrity. Is proactive and takes initiative. Isn’t afraid to pitch in where
the team needs you most. Can be depended on to do what they say and uphold their end of the teamwork. Is innovative, agile and flexible. Fully believe if you’re not having fun doing what you do, you are in the wrong place. HEO USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, sex stereotyping, transgender status, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, we are committed to affirmative action for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workforce where all employees feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to contribute to their fullest potential. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please reach out. Job Overview Full-Time Arlington, VA $ Apply now HEO 477 Pitt Street, Haymarket, NSW, 2000. ABN: 52613142448 HEO UK Runway East Bloomsbury, 24-28 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SN. Company number: 13772543 HEO USA 3101 Wilson Blvd Suite 501, Arlington, VA 22201 Contact [email protected] Solutions Defence & Intelligence Satellite Operators Civil Governments Technology HEO Inspect 3.0 Non-Earth Imaging Cameras Tessera Company About Careers Stories Site Status Preferences © 2026 High Earth Orbit Robotics Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Responsible Disclosure Policy
Location
Arlington, VA
Total raised
$7.7M
Last stage
Series A
Investors
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