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Flight Director

CesiumAstro

Job Location:

Westminster, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 133000 - 161000

Posted: 14 August 2026 (9 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 11 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Please Note:To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations the applicant must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. conditional resident asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

AtCesiumAstro we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites UAVs launch vehicles and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment which allows us to learn develop and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on interactive and autonomous work CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate collaborative energetic and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The Flight Director leads the systems engineering activities required to define develop integrate verify and operate complex spacecraft and aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle. This role translates customer requirements mission objectives and system architecture into technical solutions while providing technical leadership for mission execution operational readiness and on-orbit spacecraft operations.

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment the Senior Systems Engineer collaborates with software hardware electrical mechanical integration and test ground systems and program teams to ensure systems meet technical operational cost and schedule objectives. This role supports programs from concept development through launch and mission operations driving system integration technical decision-making and mission success.

ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Analyze customer mission and system-level requirements and decompose them into clear verifiable system and subsystem requirements.
Ensure requirements maintain end-to-end traceability to customer requirements system architecture and Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
Define and manage hardware software electrical mechanical thermal and data interfaces across spacecraft systems.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to refine requirements for completeness feasibility technical accuracy and manufacturability.
Support system architecture development technical trade studies requirements management configuration management and engineering change activities.
Identify technical risks integration challenges requirement gaps and design issues throughout the development lifecycle.
Develop system verification and validation strategies including verification methods acceptance criteria verification levels and compliance evidence.
Define verification configurations including hardware software firmware and operational test environments.
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 execute system integration and verification activities.
Evaluate test results resolve technical discrepancies and support corrective actions.
Lead mission readiness reviews launch readiness activities operational rehearsals and mission certification efforts.
Lead spacecraft mission operations through launch commissioning routine operations anomaly response and end-of-life activities to ensure safe and successful mission execution.
Serve as the technical authority during mission execution by monitoring spacecraft health directing operational decision-making and coordinating responses to off-nominal events.
Develop and execute mission timelines operational procedures flight rules and mission readiness activities including simulations and contingency planning.
Collaborate with engineering flight software ground systems and mission operations teams to resolve technical issues support anomaly investigations and improve operational performance.
Drive continuous improvement of mission operations processes operational tools and mission readiness while ensuring compliance with mission objectives and operational requirements.
Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout system development integration launch and mission operations.
Support technical planning Program Increment (PI) planning staffing assessments and engineering execution activities.
Prioritize engineering and mission operations activities to meet technical operational schedule and program objectives.
Participate in customer reviews design reviews mission readiness reviews and technical decision boards.
Mentor engineers on systems engineering mission operations requirements development verification planning and operational best practices.
Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes operational excellence and technical rigor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering Systems Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Computer Engineering Physics or a related technical discipline with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
Advanced knowledge of systems engineering principles the systems development lifecycle and spacecraft system architecture.
Experience developing managing and verifying system and subsystem requirements interfaces and verification strategies.
Strong understanding of systems integration configuration management verification and validation and technical risk management.
Experience supporting spacecraft mission planning launch campaigns mission operations anomaly resolution and on-orbit operations.
Ability to interpret customer requirements Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and technical specifications to develop engineering and operational solutions.
Strong analytical troubleshooting and systems-thinking skills with the ability to make sound technical decisions in dynamic environments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word Excel PowerPoint and Visio.
Experience with requirements management tools such as Jama IBM DOORS or equivalent platforms.
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools including CATIA Magic/Cameo MagicDraw or similar.
Familiarity with systems modeling analysis and simulation tools.
Excellent written verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate and provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Experience supporting aerospace defense or other highly regulated engineering programs.

$133000 - $161000 a year

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health dental vision HSA FSA life disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace color religion sex national origin disability protected Veteran Status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Required Experience:

Director

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