Senior Space Systems Engineer

Position Title

Senior Space Systems Engineer

Date Reviewed

10/10/2024

Position Reports To

Systems Engineering Manager

FLSA Designation

Exempt

Supervises Others

No

EEO Job Category

Professionals

Home Office Location

Tucson, AZ

Pay Range

DOE

Hybrid/Remote Option

Hybrid

FTE

1.0

Position Summary

Since its inception in 2004, Geost has been committed to solving mission-critical space domain and ISR challenges for DOD, IC, and commercial customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. As we grow our operations in Tucson, AZ and Chantilly, VA, we remain dedicated to the collaborative and innovative culture that is the foundation of our business. Geost is an operating unit of LightRidge Solutions.

GEOST seeks an enthusiastic and highly capable Space Systems Engineer to work with a multi-disciplinary team to design, develop, and test space-based electro-optical sensors. A qualified candidate will be able to apply engineering best practices to ensure the success of complex missions in pioneering space projects. This position requires a TS security clearance and is expected to spend at least 25% of the time in a classified work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and development of space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads.
• Collaborate closely with optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate optical systems into space-based platforms.
• Assist in the definition, allocation, and management of technical requirements for space systems using MBSE models.
• Ensure traceability of requirements throughout the development process and address potential conflicts or issues.
• Exchange SysML files and review model details with other organizations, as well as the customer, in order to advance the project.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system design descriptions, ICDs, CONOPs, and test plans.
• Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Provide technical management of project requirements, system architecture, system interfaces, mission assurance guidelines, and system compliance.
• Plan and execute verification and validation activities for space systems, including subsystem and system-level testing.
• Define test procedures, analyze test data, and provide technical recommendations to ensure the robustness and reliability of space systems.
• Attend technical interchange meetings with customers, team members, and other project personnel, and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project development.
• Provide document review and resolve technical systems engineering and integration issues.
• Support project teams in ensuring proper implementation and adherence to Mission Assurance guidance to maintain a high-quality product delivery.
• Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality of exquisite payloads.
• Identify and analyze potential risks associated with space systems and develop mitigation strategies.
• Work with the team to develop contingency plans and ensure risk reduction throughout the development lifecycle.
• Conduct performance analysis of project missions, including simulations, modeling, and validation.
• Evaluate system performance such as power budgets, thermal analysis, communications, and reliability, to ensure compliance with mission objectives.
• Support development of analytical models known as “Digital Twins” using common software and languages such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, STK, GMAT, and Python.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in space systems engineering, emerging technologies, and industry best practices.
• Continuously expand knowledge and skills to contribute to the company's competitive edge.
• Support on-site work, as needed.
• Support travel or off-site work, as needed. Travel is expected to be 10% or less dependent upon program needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• An active Top Secret Government Security Clearance. Current SSBI is preferred.
• 10+ years of applicable experience.
• Demonstrable experience in space systems engineering, with a strong focus on developing, testing, and integrating space or airborne instruments.
• Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or equivalent.
• Deep knowledge of aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practices.
• Experience with space environments and testing regimes (vibe, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, corrosion, etc.)
• Excellent task management skills including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraints.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• INCOSE ASEP, CSEP, or ESEP certified.
• Experience with optical quality assessment, pointing, and radiometric calibration of EO systems.
• Hands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level issues.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, including complex formulas, mathematical modeling, and VBA macro creation.
• Experience in astronomy, physics, or remote-sensing.

Physical Requirements

A qualified candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, absent undue hardship.

• Must be able to constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery for a majority of the shift.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for a majority of the shift.
• Must be able to occasionally move materials and/or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to complete tasks in a noisy environment.

Geost reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

• Health benefits
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic life with AD&D
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
  • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Leaves (Parental, pregnancy, and military)
• Potential bonus

Geost is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Geost is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@geost.com.

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)