Principal Systems Engineer

Katalyst Space Technologies

$140K — $205K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field such as Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering.
  • 12+ years of experience in developing complex aerospace or robotics systems.
  • Experience leading system architecture and requirements management for integrated hardware/software systems.
  • Strong technical communication skills to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead architecture and technical execution for advanced robotic spacecraft from concept through operations.
  • Define, allocate, and verify system-level requirements across spacecraft subsystems and software.
  • Drive engineering efforts balancing mission objectives, performance, schedule, cost, and risk.
  • Develop and maintain system models and technical baselines for design guidance.
  • Conduct analyses and simulations to support product development decisions.

Benefits

  • Long-term incentives through Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan.
  • Relocation bonus and discretionary bonuses available.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage provided.
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off policy.
Full Job Description
  • What You'll Do
    • Lead system architecture, requirements development, and technical execution for advanced robotic spacecraft from concept through flight operations.
    • Own the definition, allocation, and verification of system-level requirements across spacecraft subsystems, software, autonomy, and mission operations.
    • Drive cross-functional engineering efforts, balancing mission objectives, technical performance, schedule, cost, and risk to deliver successful spacecraft programs.
    • Develop and maintain system models, interface definitions, trade studies, and technical baselines that guide design decisions throughout the product lifecycle.
    • Create analyses, trade studies, and simulations to support technical and product development decisions.


    What We're Looking For

    Required
    • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
    • 12+ years of experience developing complex aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems.
    • Demonstrated experience leading system architecture, requirements management, integration, verification, and validation activities for highly integrated hardware/software systems.
    • Strong technical communication skills with the ability to influence engineers, program leaders, customers, and external stakeholders.
    • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where ownership, initiative, and sound engineering judgment are essential.


    Your Ideal Background

    Preferred
    • Experience developing spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, robotic, or other mission-critical aerospace systems through flight qualification and operational deployment.
    • Proficiency with systems engineering tools and methodologies, including requirements management, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), trade studies, and technical risk management.
    • Experience leading major design reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR, including customer-facing technical engagements.
    • Familiarity with autonomy, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), mission operations, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), or on-orbit servicing missions.


Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $140,000 - $205,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

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