Staff Mission Lead Systems Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Staff Mission Lead Systems Engineer (Aerospace): Leading end-to-end technical execution for complex satellite missions with an accent on mission architecture, requirements baseline development, and cross-functional technical leadership. Focus on driving architecture trades, managing system-level risks, and ensuring mission success for high-reliability USG, DoD, and IC programs.

Location: Must be based in the US (Washington D.C., Northern VA, or Denver area preferred; remote options available from approved locations).

Salary: $205,000–$230,000

Company

hirify.global is an end-to-end space systems provider designing and operating LEO satellite constellations for Earth and climate intelligence.

What you will do

• Partner with the Mission Architecture team to shape technical concepts and drive architecture trade studies.
• Serve as the ultimate technical authority for designated missions from formulation through on-orbit operations.
• Translate customer objectives into clear, verifiable, and actionable technical requirements.
• Manage mission-level system models, interfaces, and subsystem budgets.
• Lead design, test readiness, and flight readiness reviews while coordinating across hardware, software, and operations teams.
• Monitor on-orbit spacecraft performance and data pipelines to ensure mission success.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) to comply with ITAR/EAR regulations.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance is required.
• 10+ years of experience in complex system, mission architecture, or spacecraft design.
• Demonstrated experience as a technical lead on major space programs for USG, DoD, or IC customers.
• Strong understanding of USG/IC acquisition programs, mission assurance standards, and contract artifacts.
• Extensive experience in formal requirements management and system modeling.

Nice to have

• Direct engineering experience with RF systems and payload design.
• Proficiency with Cameo Systems Modeler or equivalent SysML MBSE tools.
• Software development skills in Python or Julia.
• Experience with remote sensing instruments across optical, multispectral, or RF modalities.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k retirement plan with company contributions.
• Equity compensation package.
• Three weeks paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, and unlimited sick time.
• Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability insurance.