Senior Systems Engineer

About the role

CesiumAstro develops and pioneers out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We seek a Senior Systems Engineer to lead systems engineering activities for the Skylark product line, focused on rapid design, build, and test of cutting-edge active phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Programs span high-power, large-scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities to define, develop, integrate, verify, and support complex aerospace systems across the product lifecycle.
• Translate mission objectives, customer requirements, and system architecture into technical solutions that enable successful system integration and mission execution.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, integration and test, mission operations, and program management teams to ensure systems meet technical, operational, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Provide technical leadership from concept development through design, integration, verification, launch, and operational support.
• Contribute to technical decision-making and risk management.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop system verification and validation strategies, including verification methods (test, analysis, demonstration, and inspection), acceptance criteria, and verification levels aligned with program requirements.
• Define verification configurations, including hardware, software, firmware, and test environments required to support verification activities.
• Develop and maintain verification documentation, verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM), requirements traceability matrices, and verification evidence packages.
• Partner with Integration & Test teams to plan, coordinate, and support system integration and verification activities.
• Evaluate test results, resolve technical discrepancies, and support corrective actions to ensure compliance with system requirements.
• Support technical planning, Program Increment (PI) planning, staffing assessments, and engineering execution activities.
• Prioritize systems engineering activities to meet technical, cost, schedule, and program milestones.
• Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, customer meetings, and engineering milestone activities.
• Mentor junior engineers on systems engineering best practices, requirements development, traceability, verification, and technical documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems engineering rigor, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to support successful program execution.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with an emphasis on space-based communication payloads.
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles and the systems development lifecycle.
• Experience developing, managing, and verifying system and subsystem requirements.
• Knowledge of systems architecture, interface management, systems integration, and configuration management.
• Understanding of verification, validation, and systems integration processes.
• Ability to interpret customer requirements, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and technical specifications to develop engineering solutions.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with spacecraft mission planning, launch support, and on-orbit operations.
• Experience supporting spacecraft system integration, mission readiness, and operational activities.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated engineering programs.

Pay

$133,000 – $161,000 a year

Benefits

• Company stock options.
• Health, dental, vision, HSA, and FSA benefits.
• Life, disability, and retirement plans.