Senior Systems Engineer (Spacecraft)

TL;DR

Senior Systems Engineer (Spacecraft): Lead systems engineering for lunar lander development including requirements definition, V&V planning, technical budgets, interfaces, configuration management, and system-level analysis with an accent on risk management, FDIR, and reliability throughout the spacecraft lifecycle. Focus on defining ConOps, conducting trade studies, leading technical reviews, and mentoring teams to ensure mission success and performance optimization.

Location: On-site in Englewood, Colorado with hybrid flexibility (remote and in-office depending on role and program stage). Must be U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible for ITAR authorizations.

Salary: $126,000 - $189,000 a year

Company

Lunar exploration company developing high-capacity payload landers for scientific, commercial, and sustainable missions, with U.S. operations in Englewood, Colorado.

What you will do

• Lead requirements, V&V planning, technical budgets, interfaces, configuration management, system analysis, trade studies, risk management, FDIR, and reliability across spacecraft lifecycle.
• Define Lander ConOps and subsystem requirements, coordinating across disciplines.
• Lead technical reviews, dFMEAs, failure and risk mitigation activities.
• Collaborate with teams on systems tasks, provide guidance, mentor juniors, and streamline engineering processes.
• Perform architecture trade studies, support proposals, resolve design issues, and validate lifecycle milestones.

Requirements

• Bachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent; 8+ years spacecraft engineering, 4+ in systems engineering across lifecycle phases.
• Deep systems engineering principles knowledge in fast-paced programs.
• Broad cross-functional experience with spacecraft/launch vehicle subsystems (hardware/software).
• Deep expertise in one spacecraft area (structures, thermal, mechanical, electrical, avionics, GNC, software).
• Familiarity with engineering drawings and configuration management.
• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, protected individual, or ITAR-eligible.

Nice to have

• Master's in engineering with systems emphasis.
• Experience defining requirements/verification plans, integrated testing, change management.
• FMECA, reliability/hazard analysis.
• Industry standards (NASA-STD-5001, etc.).
• Aerospace/Space prime or sub-contractor experience strongly preferred.
• Startup environment experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive health coverage (medical, vision, dental; 100% company-paid options).
• Hybrid work flexibility, commuter perks (RTD EcoPass), monthly lunch stipend.
• 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, 17 paid holidays; 401(k) with matching.
• Stock options, learning stipends, lunch-and-learns, professional development.
• Domestic/international travel opportunities, fun team events and casual culture.