Mission Systems Engineer

Description

The company builds autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors. Its work helps the U.S. and its Allies secure space and counter threats there.

This role sits on the Mission Architecture team, which develops the next generation of space control systems.

You will build simulation tools, carry out mission analyses, and support system-level engineering decisions across the full program lifecycle, from contract award through mission completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, simulation, and analysis of rendezvous and proximity operations trajectories.
• Lead the design, simulation, and analysis of constellation mission performance.
• Apply analysis and modeling, including parametric analysis, to guide engineering decisions when requirements are not yet defined.
• Build and use system models to run trade studies, evaluate performance, assess feasibility, and shape system architecture.
• Optimize spacecraft maneuvers for mission goals, balancing fuel use, timing, and risk.
• Write detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal teams, government agencies, and customers.
• Oversee how hardware, software, and operational components fit together in the mission systems.
• Work with subsystem teams to troubleshoot and fix integration problems so the mission stays ready.
• Support mission operations during testing and live mission execution.
• Apply astrodynamics fundamentals with software and analysis tools, including orbit propagation, orbit determination, geometric orbit analysis, and mission engineering concepts.
• Build, maintain, and use mission engineering tools to shape concepts of operations, reference mission performance, and trade studies.
• Work with subject-matter experts so models capture subsystem behavior at the right fidelity.
• Design parametric analyses and Monte Carlo studies to inform engineering decisions.
• Analyze system performance, including reliability, safety, and mission effectiveness under different environmental conditions.
• Assess mission success criteria and operational risks, and propose ways to mitigate them.
• Run pre-flight and post-flight mission analyses, including trajectory reconstruction and anomaly investigations.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in mission analysis, space operations, or orbital mechanics.
• Strong grasp of orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, and autonomous space operations.
• Hands-on use of mission analysis tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or similar software.
• Proficiency with simulation tools and languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Experience with mission planning and real-time mission support.
• You must hold, or be able to obtain and keep, a TS/SCI or TS/SAP security clearance for U.S. government work.
• Preferred: an advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.
• Preferred: an active TS/SCI clearance.
• Preferred: experience with defense or classified space missions.

Conditions

Base salary is $130,000 - $195,000.

Pay is set case by case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience, so the level and salary may vary.

This is a fully onsite role based in the Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA office.

Working conditions and physical demands include bending, sitting, lifting, and driving, along with environmental factors such as temperature and noise.

You must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the authorizations required from the U.S. Department of State, in line with ITAR export rules for U.S. government space technology.

The role stays open until it is filled.

Do not apply for fixed-term or temporary roles.

The company is committed to equal employment opportunity and will provide accommodations on request.

Benefits

• Equity is part of the total compensation package, so you can share in the company's success.
• Health coverage with 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus HSA or HRA options.
• Flexible Time Off for exempt employees, up to 25 days of accrued PTO for non-exempt employees, 12 paid holidays, parental leave, and sick leave.
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office staff.
• 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays.