Staff Systems Engineer

2 weeks ago

Alameda, CA, United States Motive Workforce Solutions Full time
Job Description

We are seeking a Staff Space Products Systems Engineer to lead the architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of spacecraft hardware for low Earth orbit (LEO) missions. This role is highly technical and focused on system-level design, bringing together multidisciplinary hardware and software elements to deliver flight-qualified solutions.

The ideal candidate is a recognized technical leader with a strong background in spacecraft systems engineering (electric propulsion experience preferred). You'll drive system definition from concept through flight operations, ensuring performance and reliability in the demanding space environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • System Ownership: Act as the technical authority for spacecraft subsystems and integrated hardware from concept through qualification and flight.
  • Architecture & Design: Define system requirements, architecture, and interfaces for LEO spacecraft products.
  • Integration & Trade Studies: Lead cross-disciplinary studies balancing performance, mass, power, cost, and reliability at the system level.
  • Verification & Validation: Develop and execute system-level test plans; verify requirements through analysis, inspection, and flight-representative testing.
  • Flight Readiness: Support environmental qualification (thermal-vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC) and acceptance testing.
  • Reliability & Safety: Drive FMEAs, fault management, and reliability analyses to ensure multi-year mission robustness.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with propulsion, avionics, structures, and operations teams to deliver integrated, flight-ready products.
  • Technical Leadership: Mentor engineers, lead reviews, and act as subject matter expert on system integration.
  • Customer Support: Represent engineering in customer reviews, contribute to mission planning, and support spacecraft integration and operations.
Compensation
  • Base salary range: $150,000 - $190,000 per year
Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related discipline
  • 8+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering, with a proven record of delivering flight hardware
  • Strong background in system architecture, requirements definition, and spacecraft integration
  • Technical expertise in at least one area: electric propulsion (preferred), fluid systems, avionics, or structural/thermal design
  • Experience with LEO spacecraft requirements, including thermal management, radiation environment, and mission operations
  • Hands-on experience with verification, validation, and qualification of flight hardware
  • Familiarity with industry standards (NASA, ESA, ECSS, MIL-STD, or equivalent)
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated program-level influence
Desired Multipliers
  • Direct experience with electric propulsion subsystems (Hall-effect, ion thrusters, or advanced EP architectures)
  • Background in designing/certifying hardware for LEO constellations or commercial spacecraft
  • Experience leading large cross-functional engineering efforts
  • Knowledge of manufacturing and testing space-qualified hardware at scale
  • Proficiency with modeling/simulation tools (MATLAB, Simulink, STK, MBSE tools)
  • Experience designing spacecraft systems for long-duration space environments
Other Requirements
  • Must meet ITAR/EAR compliance as a U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee), or be eligible for licensing
  • Subject to background checks and potential security clearance for government contracts
  • Applicants in San Francisco will be considered consistent with the Fair Chance Ordinance

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