Senior Space Systems Engineer

The Opportunity

We are seeking a R&D Solutions Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority for our major US Government (USG) programs. This is a high-level technical leadership role responsible for architecting and delivering bespoke solutions for national security stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Primary Technical POC: Serve as the lead technical interface for major USG projects, translating complex HEO system capabilities into mission-ready solutions for government stakeholders.
• Ad Hoc to Automation: Lead the “R&D to Ops” pipeline by designing and executing plans for the successful collection of NEI and other critical SDA data under challenging circumstances. Develop novel approaches to extract SDA insights, and implement Python software to operationalize these capabilities for the Space Imagery Analyst (SIA) team.
• Advanced Mission Modelling: Utilize Systems Tool Kit (STK), and Python-based libraries to model complex satellite encounters, optimize sensor tasking, and validate orbital dynamics for GEO and LEO mission expansion.
• Advanced SDA Development: Research and implement novel analysis techniques and data visualization methods to enhance the HEO Inspect platform for national security users.
• Mission Framework Expansion: Direct the technical development and expansion of our GEO mission frameworks while scaling and optimizing our LEO operational capabilities.
• MVP Development: Rapidly ideate and develop minimum viable products and experimental features to test directly with USG customers for rapid feedback.
• Subcontractor Technical Vetting: Lead the technical evaluation of potential subcontractors to ensure their capabilities align with the high standards of our USG contracts.

Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years of significant industry experience in space mission analysis, orbital mechanics, or satellite operations, with or in support of the US Intelligence Community (IC) or DoD.
• NRE Expertise: Demonstrated experience in non-recurring engineering and the ability to build custom technical solutions for complex space domain challenges.
• Technical Proficiencies: Advanced proficiency in Python for data analysis; expert-level experience with STK or similar high-fidelity orbital modeling software for mission modeling and orbital mechanics.
• Leadership: Strong technical leadership skills with the ability to manage high-stakes customer relationships and grow an engineering discipline within a startup environment.
• Domain Focus: Deep background in LEO/GEO mission operations and/or development of mission operations and ground segment software.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Security Requirement: Active Top Secret clearance preferred; must have the ability to obtain or maintain a US government Top Secret security clearance.