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Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer Optical Comms

CesiumAstro

Job Location:

Westminster, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 133908 - 160991

Posted: 21 July 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 18 October 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 Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer Optical Comms is responsible for leading the systems engineering activities required to define develop integrate verify and support complex aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle. This role translates mission objectives customer requirements and system architecture into technical solutions that enable successful system integration and mission execution.

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment the Senior Systems Engineer collaborates with software hardware mechanical electrical manufacturing integration and test mission operations and program management teams to ensure systems meet technical operational cost and schedule objectives. This role provides technical leadership from concept development through design integration verification launch and operational support while contributing to technical decision-making and risk management.

ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Systems Engineering & Architecture

Analyze customer mission and system-level requirements and decompose them into clear verifiable system and subsystem requirements.
Establish clear definitions for all hardware and software interfaces between optical communication payloads and the space vehicle
Research commercially available optical communication payloads and conduct source selection
Serve as primary technical contact with vendors through the full program lifecycleEnsure requirements maintain end-to-end traceability to customer requirements system architecture and Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
Define and manage hardware software electrical mechanical and data interfaces between system elements.
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to refine requirements for completeness feasibility technical accuracy and manufacturability.
Support requirements management configuration management baseline control and engineering change activities.
Identify technical risks requirement gaps ambiguities and design issues early in the development lifecycle.
Support system architecture development technical trade studies and engineering analyses to evaluate design alternatives and optimize system performance.

Verification Validation & Integration

Develop system verification and validation strategies including verification methods (test analysis demonstration and inspection) acceptance criteria and verification levels aligned with program requirements.
Define verification configurations including hardware software firmware and test environments required to support verification activities.
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 support system integration and verification activities.
Evaluate test results resolve technical discrepancies and support corrective actions to ensure compliance with system requirements.

Technical Leadership & Program Execution

Support technical planning Program Increment (PI) planning staffing assessments and engineering execution activities.
Prioritize systems engineering activities to meet technical cost schedule and program milestones.
Participate in technical reviews design reviews customer meetings and engineering milestone activities.
Mentor junior engineers on systems engineering best practices requirements development traceability verification and technical documentation.
Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes systems engineering rigor and technical documentation.
Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to support successful program execution.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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 typically 58 years of relevant experience; Masters degree in a related technical discipline with typically 36 years of relevant experience; or PhD in a related technical discipline with typically 03 years of relevant experience.
Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles and the systems development lifecycle.
Experience developing managing and verifying system and subsystem requirements.
Knowledge of systems architecture interface management systems integration and configuration management.
Understanding verification validation and systems integration processes.
Ability to interpret customer requirements Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and technical specifications to develop engineering solutions.

Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel PowerPoint Visio)
Requirements Management tools (Jama IBM DOORS or similar)
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (CATIA Magic/Cameo MagicDraw or similar)
Systems modeling and simulation tools
Collaboration platforms (Confluence SharePoint or similar)
Configuration management and version control tools (Git GitLab Bitbucket or similar)
Issue tracking tools (Jira or similar)
Strong analytical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Effective written verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Familiarity with spacecraft mission planning launch support and on-orbit operations.
Experience supporting spacecraft system integration mission readiness and operational activities.
Experience supporting aerospace defense or other highly regulated engineering programs.

$133908 - $160991 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:

Senior IC

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