Senior Systems Engineer - Mission Architecture & Technologist

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced industry professional with deep experience in system architecture, concept analysis, mission analysis, simulation, and propulsion. The ideal candidate has broad technical capability, can take on diverse and challenging roles, and can operate at the fill the role of chief technologist on medium-size aerospace programs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct trade studies that explore mission architectures, technology options, propulsion configurations, mission profiles, and system configurations- with particular emphasis on propulsion systems. Provide clear recommendations supported by analysis.
• Perform in space and launch vehicle trajectory design and analysis and create or refine tools that support accurate mission modeling.
• Serve as a lead systems engineer on advanced aerospace programs and support propulsion design, trajectory analysis, configuration work, space environment evaluation, logistics planning, and overall mission architecture decisions.
• Lead propulsion system development activities and support performance modeling, internal dynamics evaluation, control interaction analysis, trajectory assessment, and thermal behavior characterization.
• Guide technical planning and procurement efforts related to propulsion subsystems and support engagement with suppliers and internal teams.
• Model radiation environments, debris fields, thermal conditions, and related space environment factors. Provide design guidance that protects mission systems.
• Develop custom computational tools using C++, Python, or similar languages to improve system modeling capability and reduce analytical uncertainty.
• Collaborate with government centers, universities, laboratories, and internal engineering groups to advance technology and support multi organization studies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and analysis summaries for leadership and external customers.
• Support research programs, failure investigations, and experimental propulsion efforts by applying advanced analytical and scientific methods.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to building strong analytical capability across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience in system analysis, mission design, uncertainty quantification, and system architecture development.
• Strong capability in scientific programming including C++ and Python.
• Experience working on government, research lab, or advanced aerospace programs.
• Ability to communicate complex analyses clearly in written reports and technical briefings.
• Demonstrated ability to develop analytical tools or modeling frameworks for mission studies, system sizing, and propulsion analysis.

• Minimum 5 years industry experience with a master’s degree and minimum 2 years with doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting human spaceflight programs or advanced propulsion research.
• Record of technical publications or contributions to major aerospace conferences.
• Experience working with novel propellants, ignition research, or high energy density propulsion concepts.