THE PEOPLE BEHIND SPACEFACTORY

Built for the Frontier

Hardware-first. Regolith hardened. Mission-ready.

EXPLORE CAREERS ↗
SpaceFactory engineers Leonel Herrera and Austin Hacker
SpaceFactory lead engineer Connor McLeod
SpaceFactory founder David Malott (right) with co-founder David Riedel (left)

Our Team

David Malott

Founder and CEO

The Architect — bridging infrastructure and habitat design, AI/ML, and robotic construction. Twenty years of industry leadership and principal investigator on multiple NASA programs.

Connor McLeod

Vice President, Engineering

The Captain — mechatronics engineer, West Point graduate and former U.S. Army engineering officer, translating field experience into rugged, mission-ready robotic systems.

Leo Herrera

Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing specialist and former NASA Swamp Works engineer, developing ISRU-based processes and hardware for extreme environments.

Austin Hacker

Lunar Surface Systems

Mechanical engineer developing rugged robotic systems for regolith excavation, processing, and infrastructure deployment.

Zach Ryan

Autonomous Navigation

Autonomous systems engineer specializing in navigation, aerial and ground mobility, with prior experience at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Alex Stanczak

Terrestrial Applications

Former SpaceFactory intern turned full-time engineer, developing materials and hardware for defense, remote industry, and challenging terrestrial environments.

Peter Ilyin

Summer 2026 Engineering Intern

Contributed to embedded systems development, sensor integration, and signal processing during SpaceFactory's 2026 summer internship program.

Advisors

Les Johnson, Ph.D.

Senior Advisor

Former Chief Technologist, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Join Our Team

We seek curious, hands-on engineers who thrive on multidisciplinary work and want to make a meaningful impact on space exploration, defense, and industrial technology. From summer internships to full-time engineering roles, we give emerging talent the opportunity to build, test, and take ownership of real hardware.

Business Development AssociatePart-time · Huntsville, Alabama · Hybrid

Help SpaceFactory develop new business relationships across NASA, defense, and the commercial space industry. We're seeking an outgoing, technically curious recent graduate who can open doors, build relationships, and communicate advanced engineering technologies with confidence.

Position Summary

SpaceFactory develops advanced robotic systems and infrastructure technologies for space exploration, defense, and extreme environments. We're seeking a Business Development Associate to help expand our network of customers, government stakeholders, strategic partners, and investors. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, the role combines local relationship development with proactive national outreach across NASA, the Department of War, major aerospace and defense contractors, and emerging space companies. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator who enjoys meeting people, initiating conversations, and cultivating professional relationships. You don't need to be an engineer, but you must have the curiosity and aptitude to understand our technologies and discuss them intelligently with engineers, program managers, and senior decision-makers. This is a part-time position with potential for hybrid work, direct engagement with company leadership, and opportunities to grow into broader business, operational, or technical responsibilities.

What you'll do

  • Research and identify prospective customers, government program managers, technical stakeholders, strategic partners, and investors.
  • Conduct proactive outreach through email, LinkedIn, telephone, and professional introductions.
  • Build relationships across NASA, the Department of War, aerospace and defense contractors, and the commercial space industry.
  • Develop SpaceFactory's local network through in-person meetings, industry events, and professional organizations in Huntsville.
  • Identify relevant programs, emerging opportunities, and potential collaboration pathways.
  • Coordinate introductory meetings, maintain contact records, and manage follow-up communications.
  • Learn SpaceFactory's technologies and communicate their capabilities accurately and persuasively to technical and nontechnical audiences.
  • Assist with capability statements, presentations, outreach materials, and business development initiatives.
  • Support other business, operational, or engineering activities according to individual interests and capabilities.

What you have

  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a related field; recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with confidence initiating conversations and building relationships.
  • Genuine enthusiasm for space exploration, aerospace, defense technology, and emerging engineering systems.
  • Technical curiosity and the ability to learn and explain complex technologies.
  • Initiative, resourcefulness, persistence, and strong organizational skills.
  • Professional judgment and the ability to communicate credibly with technical and senior-level audiences.
  • Ability to participate in meetings and professional events in the Huntsville area.

What makes you stand out

  • Existing relationships within Huntsville's aerospace and defense community.
  • Familiarity with NASA, defense acquisition, government research programs, or the aerospace industry.
  • Experience in professional networking, student leadership, outreach, or public-facing roles.
  • A combination of engineering aptitude and exceptional interpersonal skills.
  • A natural ability to connect with people, recognize opportunities, and turn introductions into lasting professional relationships.

Opportunity for growth

This position is envisioned as a part-time role with the potential to grow into a full-time position as SpaceFactory expands. As a small, multidisciplinary company, we offer opportunities to take on new responsibilities based on individual strengths and interests. The role may evolve into broader business development, strategic partnerships, business operations, program coordination, or even hands-on engineering and testing. We value initiative, curiosity, versatility, and people who want to grow alongside the company.

APPLY NOW ↗
Undergraduate Engineering InternInternship · Huntsville, Alabama · In person

Gain hands-on experience supporting the design, assembly, and testing of SpaceFactory engineering prototypes.

Position Summary

Join SpaceFactory's engineering team to develop and test advanced technologies for space exploration, defense, and industrial applications. This is a hands-on opportunity to contribute to real engineering projects, from mechanical design and fabrication to prototype assembly and experimental testing. You'll work alongside a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment where curiosity, initiative, and practical problem-solving are valued. This is an in-person position based in Huntsville, Alabama. Applicants must be U.S. persons.

What you’ll do

  • Assist engineers in designing, building, and testing hardware prototypes.
  • Assemble mechanical and electronic systems and conduct experimental tests.
  • Participate in NASA-related research and development projects.
  • Contribute to multidisciplinary engineering discussions and problem-solving.
  • Support technical design, analysis, fabrication, and implementation.

What you have

  • Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Computer, or related Engineering.
  • Hands-on interest in physical prototyping and fabrication.
  • Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work in person in the Huntsville area.
  • U.S. citizenship is required for federally restricted projects; confirm eligibility with SpaceFactory.

Internship Perks

  • Paid internship opportunity.
  • Intensive, hands-on engineering experience and mentorship.
  • Direct involvement in meaningful, multidisciplinary R&D projects.
  • Opportunity to contribute to technologies for space exploration, defense, and advanced manufacturing.

Relocation and Housing

Relocation and housing assistance are not provided. Candidates are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and transportation during the internship.

To Apply

Email your resume and examples of your work. Include your preferred internship timeframe.

APPLY NOW ↗

SpaceFactory is an equal opportunity employer and evaluates applicants without regard to protected characteristics, consistent with applicable law.