Senior Systems Engineer

About the role

Katalyst builds robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, focusing on creating a future where space activities become as routine as those on Earth. Our mission involves developing foundational capabilities that support sustained, responsive operations, enhancing national security and ensuring freedom of action in a contested domain.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture, requirements development, and technical execution for advanced robotic spacecraft from concept through flight operations.
• Own the definition, allocation, and verification of system-level requirements across spacecraft subsystems, software, autonomy, and mission operations.
• Drive cross-functional engineering efforts, balancing mission objectives, technical performance, schedule, cost, and risk to deliver successful spacecraft programs.
• Create analyses, trade studies, and simulations to support technical and product development decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience developing complex aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading system architecture, requirements management, integration, verification, and validation activities for highly integrated hardware/software systems.
• Strong technical communication skills with the ability to influence engineers, program leaders, customers, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where ownership, initiative, and sound engineering judgment are essential.

Qualifications

• Preferred experience developing spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, robotic, or other mission-critical aerospace systems through flight qualification and operational deployment.
• Proficiency with systems engineering tools and methodologies, including requirements management, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), trade studies, and technical risk management.
• Experience leading major design reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR, including customer-facing technical engagements.
• Familiarity with autonomy, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), mission operations, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), or on-orbit servicing missions.

Skills

Your ideal background includes experience developing spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, robotic, or other mission-critical aerospace systems through flight qualification and operational deployment. Proficiency with systems engineering tools and methodologies, including requirements management, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), trade studies, and technical risk management, is preferred. Experience leading major design reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR, including customer-facing technical engagements, is also preferred. Familiarity with autonomy, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), mission operations, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), or on-orbit servicing missions is beneficial.

Benefits

At Katalyst, you will be eligible for long-term incentives, including the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. Comprehensive benefits include access to medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this role is $120,000 - $180,000 annually.

Schedule

You will be required to work extended hours and weekends as needed.