Senior Systems Engineer, Mission

YOUR MISSION

The Mission Systems Engineer will play a critical role in defining, analyzing, and ensuring the successful implementation of mission requirements across complex aerospace platforms. This engineer will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing spacecraft trajectories and operations related to rendezvous, docking, and proximity missions. This role will involve working on complex, mission-critical space systems, supporting national defense initiatives, and advancing technologies in autonomous space operations. This position will involve working closely with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and integrate system solutions for both manned and unmanned platforms in defense, space, and intelligence applications.

We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to join our Mission Architecture team in developing and integrating cutting-edge aerospace and defense systems. The Mission Systems Engineer will play a critical role in defining, analyzing, and ensuring the successful implementation of mission requirements across complex aerospace platforms. This engineer will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing spacecraft trajectories and operations related to rendezvous, docking, and proximity missions. This role will involve working on complex, mission-critical space systems, supporting national defense initiatives, and advancing technologies in autonomous space operations. This position will involve working closely with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and integrate system solutions for both manned and unmanned platforms in defense, space, and intelligence applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Mission Design & Requirements Analysis:

• Collaborate with customers, stakeholders, and internal teams to define and document mission objectives, system requirements, and operational concepts.
• Translate customer and mission needs into actionable engineering solutions, ensuring alignment with technical and programmatic constraints.
• Lead system trade studies, performance evaluations, and feasibility assessments to ensure optimal system architecture design.
• Lead the design, simulation, and analysis of RPO mission trajectories.
• Optimize spacecraft maneuvers to achieve mission objectives while considering fuel efficiency, timing, and risk mitigation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and customers.
• Support proposal development and provide technical input for new mission opportunities.

System Integration & Verification:

• Oversee the integration of mission systems, ensuring seamless interaction between hardware, software, and operational components.
• Develop system-level integration and verification plans, conducting end-to-end testing to validate mission requirements.
• Coordinate with subsystem teams to troubleshoot and resolve integration challenges, ensuring mission readiness.
• Support mission operations teams during testing and real-time mission execution.

Modeling, Simulation & Analysis:

• Develop, validate, and maintain high-fidelity models for spacecraft motion and environmental factors.
• Use advanced tools (e.g., STK, GMAT, MATLAB, FreeFlyer) to simulate mission scenarios and predict outcomes.
• Run Monte Carlo simulations to assess mission robustness under various contingencies.
• Use advanced simulation tools to model mission scenarios, system behaviors, and performance under operational conditions.
• Conduct system performance analysis, including reliability, safety, and mission effectiveness, under various environmental conditions.
• Assess mission success criteria and operational risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight mission analysis, including trajectory reconstruction and anomaly investigations.

Risk Assessment & Mitigation:

• Identify and analyze mission risks related to complex space missions, including collision risks and operational uncertainties.
• Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans for safe and reliable mission execution.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years mission analysis, space operations, or orbital mechanics
• Strong technical leadership and systems architecture experience
• Demonstrated expertise in RPO mission design and spacecraft operations.
• Hands-on experience with mission analysis tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar software.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and autonomous space operations.
• Proficiency in simulation tools and programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++).
• Experience with mission planning and real-time mission support.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI or TS/SAP U.S. government security clearance.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience in defense or classified space missions.
• Familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA mission standards and processes
• Experience working with government agencies, primes, or subcontractors on space missions.

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: Long Beach: $160,000 - $225,000
• Base Salary: Denver: $155,000 - $215,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and 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, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location-Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
• Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite