Spacecraft Systems EngineerOn-site in El Segundo, CATarget salary range: $104,550 - $188,750
The Spacecraft Systems Engineer leads the technical execution and systems engineering lifecycle for spacecraft programs, guiding multidisciplinary teams through concept development, design, integration, testing, and in-orbit operations. This role ensures the spacecraft system architecture, requirements, and subsystem interfaces deliver a mission-ready vehicle - focusing on building and operating spacecraft, not just documentation.
Responsibilities:- Lead spacecraft systems engineering activities including concept development, trade studies, CONOPS, requirements decomposition and allocation, interface definition, and system verification/validation.
- Develop and manage spacecraft system architectures, requirements, and subsystem interfaces across the vehicle lifecycle.
- Coordinate with subsystem engineers, manufacturing, integration & test teams, and program leadership to execute spacecraft development.
- Perform system-level analyses including power, mass, and performance budgets to optimize spacecraft design and architecture.
- Support satellite integration and test (I&T) activities and ensure mission functionality prior to operational deployment.
- Participate in software integration and verification testing for mission readiness.
- Investigate and resolve cross-functional technical issues and anomalies affecting spacecraft performance.
- Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods to define and manage spacecraft system architecture.
- Analyze technical data to validate system configurations against mission constraints and operational requirements.
- Contribute to systems engineering process improvement and risk management activities.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior systems and subsystem engineers.
- Collaborate with program management and financial leadership to ensure program execution aligns with schedule and mission objectives.
Qualifications:- U.S. Citizenship is required by Federal Law
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science with 5+ years of spacecraft systems engineering experience
- Active Secret Clearance Required with ability to obtain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance
- 5+ years aerospace industry experience, preferably in spacecraft or satellite systems.
- Experience applying space systems engineering principles and lifecycle processes.
- Experience managing power, mass, and system budgets.
- Experience performing requirements analysis, decomposition, and flow-down.
- Experience with design verification and validation (V&V).
- Experience with configuration management practices.
- Experience supporting satellite-level integration and test (I&T).
- Experience with satellite in-orbit operations.
- Familiarity with program management tools and processes.
