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Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer – Software

CesiumAstro

Job Location:

Westminster, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 133908 - 160991

Posted: 19 July 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 16 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 Software is responsible for translating system-level operational concepts customer requirements and architecture into detailed software requirements verification strategies and integrated technical solutions for complex embedded systems. This role serves as a critical bridge between Systems Engineering and Software Engineering ensuring requirements are properly decomposed traceable testable and aligned to overall program objectives.

The position is organizationally aligned within the Systems Engineering function while working closely day-to-day with the Software Engineering team to support planning development integration and verification activities. This role is instrumental in defining software verification approaches required hardware/software configurations and ensuring system functionality meets mission and performance objectives.

ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Requirements Decomposition & Flow Down

Analyze customer mission and system-level requirements and decompose them into clear verifiable software-level requirements.
Ensure software requirements maintain traceability to higher-level system requirements architecture and Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
Collaborate with systems software and hardware teams to refine requirements for completeness feasibility and technical accuracy.
Support requirements management processes baseline control and change impact assessments.
Identify requirement gaps ambiguities and risks early in the development lifecycle.

Verification Planning & Validation

Develop software verification approach including verification descriptions methods (test analysis demonstration inspection) levels and acceptance criteria aligned to system and program requirements.
Identify required verification configurations including hardware setups software loads firmware versions and test environments.
Support verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM) traceability matrices and evidence packages.
Partner with test and software teams to ensure efficient execution of planned verification activities.

Systems & Software Integration

Serve as a technical liaison between Systems Engineering and Software Engineering teams.
Support software integration planning readiness reviews and release coordination.
Evaluate impacts of software changes to system behavior interfaces and verification scope.
Participate in architecture design and interface reviews to ensure requirements alignment.
Support issue resolution involving system functionality interoperability and software performance.

Embedded Systems & Interfaces

Apply working knowledge of embedded systems architectures constraints and development environments.
Understand hardware/software interfaces communication protocols and subsystem interactions.
Support interface definition and validation between embedded devices processors sensors payloads and external systems.
Assess integration and verification implications of firmware software and hardware revisions.

Program Execution & Technical Leadership

Support Program Increment (PI) planning staffing assessments and execution readiness activities.
Prioritize verification and requirements activities to meet schedule and milestone commitments.
Mentor junior engineers on requirements quality traceability and verification planning.
Drive continuous improvement in systems/software collaboration process efficiency and engineering rigor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in Systems Engineering Software Engineering Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline with 58 years of experience in systems engineering software engineering embedded systems or integration environments.
Experience decomposing system requirements into software-level requirements.
Experience creating verification plans descriptions procedures or acceptance criteria.
Strong understanding of embedded systems and software development lifecycles.
Experience with hardware/software interfaces and communication protocols.
Ability to interpret and apply system-level CONOPS to engineering execution.
Programming Languages: Python C C Java Bash or similar.
Development Tools: Git IDEs debuggers CI/CD platforms.
Operating Systems: Linux Windows Unix.
Protocols/Interfaces: TCP/IP UDP Serial USB Ethernet APIs.
Other Tools: Requirements tools issue tracking systems automated test tools.

$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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