Chief Space System Architect

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Virginia.

📋 Description

• Act as a technical expert in the exploration, conceptualization, and assessment of spacecraft, hosted payloads, and innovative space system solutions.

• Oversee technical proposals and evaluations for space system programs, payloads, and concepts to fulfill mission performance goals.

• Work in collaboration with a cross-functional engineering organization that includes systems engineering, spacecraft engineering, payload engineering, mission assurance, specialty engineering, suppliers, and external mission partners.

• Establish spacecraft and payload architectures, system interfaces, integration strategies, and technical baselines.

• Assist in program-level reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, launch readiness, and initial on-orbit operations.

• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate technical, integration, schedule, and mission risks throughout the program lifecycle.

• Collaborate with government customers, mission partners, and suppliers to transform mission requirements into actionable technical solutions.

• Partner with engineering and mission operations teams to guarantee successful integration of the comprehensive end-to-end system concept.

• Contribute to strategic growth efforts by developing technical solutions for future hosted payloads, communications, sensing, and emerging space mission opportunities.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field; an advanced degree is preferred.

• At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience in designing, developing, integrating, or delivering spacecraft, payloads, satellite systems, or other complex aerospace systems.

• Proven experience in roles such as Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, IPT Lead, Technical Director, or a similar technical leadership position.

• Strong expertise in spacecraft architecture, payload systems, hosted payloads, satellite subsystems, or mission systems engineering.

• Experience in integrating spacecraft subsystems, including communications payloads, RF systems, onboard processors, and other mission-specific payloads.

• In-depth knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements development, architecture definition, interface management, verification and validation, and technical risk management.

• Experience leading interdisciplinary engineering teams within a matrixed environment while exerting influence without direct authority.

• Familiarity with the complete system lifecycle, including concept development, design, integration, environmental testing, launch preparation, commissioning, and on-orbit operations.

• Effective communication skills with government customers, executive leadership, engineering teams, suppliers, and mission partners.

• Experience in supporting national security, defense, civil government, or commercial space programs.

🏝️ Benefits

• Eligibility for annual bonuses where applicable.

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and personal leave.

• Insurance options including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Additional benefits programs.