Spacecraft Systems EngineerOn-site in El Segundo, CALevel 3: $99,000 - $177,000 annually
Level 4: $121,000 - $215,000 annually
Ability to obtain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required)
Active TS/SCI Clearance Preferred
We are hiring a
Spacecraft Systems Engineer to lead the development, integration, verification, and lifecycle execution of advanced spacecraft and satellite systems supporting national security, defense, and commercial space missions. This role requires expertise in
space systems engineering, satellite integration and testing, requirements management, MBSE, spacecraft architecture, verification and validation, and mission execution, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Responsibilities:- Lead all aspects of spacecraft systems engineering across the full program lifecycle, from concept development through integration, launch, and mission operations.
- Perform spacecraft concept development, trade studies, mission analysis, and Concept of Operations (CONOPS) definition.
- Develop, decompose, allocate, and manage spacecraft system requirements and interface definitions.
- Support spacecraft architecture development, system design, and technical execution activities.
- Define and execute requirements verification and validation strategies to ensure mission success.
- Coordinate spacecraft subsystem engineering activities across power, avionics, propulsion, communications, structures, thermal, flight software, and payload teams.
- Develop integrated spacecraft system solutions that balance technical performance, cost, schedule, and mission objectives.
- Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to spacecraft system development and requirements management.
- Support satellite integration, test, verification, validation, and anomaly resolution activities.
- Participate in software integration and testing efforts to validate mission functionality prior to deployment.
- Analyze technical data, evaluate spacecraft configurations, and ensure compliance with operational requirements and design constraints.
- Perform system-level analyses, including power budgets, mass budgets, performance assessments, and architecture optimization.
- Resolve cross-functional technical issues across engineering disciplines.
- Collaborate with program management and financial leadership to support successful program execution.
- Develop and improve systems engineering processes, tools, and best practices.
- Mentor junior systems engineers and subsystem engineering personnel.
Qualifications:- U.S. citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance; final clearance required post-start.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related science discipline plus:
- Level 3: Minimum 5 years of directly relevant spacecraft systems engineering experience; OR
- Master's degree plus 3 years of related experience.
- Level 4: Minimum 9 years of directly relevant spacecraft systems engineering experience; OR
- Master's degree plus 7 years of related experience.
- Experience with spacecraft systems engineering principles, methodologies, and lifecycle processes.
- Experience with one or more of the following:
- Space systems engineering
- Requirements analysis and flow-down
- Spacecraft architecture and design
- Power, mass, and system budget management
- Verification and validation processes
- Configuration management
- Satellite integration and test activities
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams and resolving technical issues.
- Strong analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications:- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related engineering/science discipline.
- 9+ years of professional space systems engineering experience.
- Direct experience supporting rapid spacecraft development programs and satellite missions.
- Experience supporting complete mission lifecycles from concept development through in-orbit operations.
- Experience with spacecraft integration, launch, commissioning, and mission operations.
- Familiarity with program management principles, tools, and aerospace development processes.
- Active TS/SCI U.S. Security Clearance.
- Experience applying MBSE methodologies and digital engineering approaches to spacecraft development.
