Founding Systems Engineer

Founding Systems Engineer (Lead)- New Space/Energy- Southern California

We are seeking a Founding Systems Engineer to lead the architecture, development, and execution of next-generation spacecraft systems from concept through launch and on-orbit operations. This is a highly visible technical leadership role where you will serve as the connective tissue between engineering disciplines, ensuring mission requirements are translated into successful spacecraft designs and delivered to flight. As one of the earliest members of the engineering team, you will have significant influence over system architecture, technical decision-making, engineering processes, and the future direction of our spacecraft programs.

Key Qualifications

• Lead spacecraft system architecture and drive critical technical decisions across multidisciplinary teams.
• Own system-level budgets including mass, power, data, communications, pointing, and delta-V.
• Define mission CONOPS, derive system requirements, and maintain end-to-end requirements traceability.
• Lead major program reviews
• Author and manage systems engineering documentation
• Oversee system verification and validation through test, analysis, inspection, and demonstration.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership throughout the full spacecraft lifecycle, from concept and design through launch and operations.
• Resolve complex cross-functional engineering challenges while balancing performance, cost, and schedule.
• Mentor engineers and help establish a strong systems engineering culture

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience leading spacecraft systems engineering efforts or serving as a technical lead.
• Proficiency with spacecraft analysis and modeling tools such as Python, MATLAB, STK, GMAT, or FreeFlyer
• Experience working in a startup or fast-paced commercial space environment
• Background supporting spacecraft missions from initial concept through launch and on-orbit operations.