Technical Director, Off Planet Programs

About the role

As the Director, Off-Planet Programs 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.

This is a full-time position based on-site on ICON's Austin, TX HQ Campus.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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Serve as the extreme owner of ICON’s off-planet systems and space robotics outputs across engineering, R&D, material science, and operations.

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Lead and scale multidisciplinary teams spanning robotics, autonomous systems, material science, and construction technologies.

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Partner closely with program management to execute complex, high-risk, multi-disciplinary initiatives.

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Interface with executive leadership, internal stakeholders, customers, and government partners to align technical strategy with business objectives.

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Build, operate, and continuously evolve a state-of-the-art research and operations facility supporting off-planet robotics and construction programs.

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Establish and maintain strategic relationships with industry leaders, space agencies, vendors, and critical contractors.

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Develop long-term R&D roadmaps and strategic plans, including resourcing, budgeting, and technical investment priorities.

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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.

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Lead groups, divisions, and product teams with full accountability for delivery, performance, and outcomes.

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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

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B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.

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15+ years of relevant industry experience, with demonstrated focus on off-planet systems, lunar environments, materials, and/or space robotic systems.

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Proven experience developing multiple products that have achieved space flight or off-planet deployment.