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Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer


Job Location:

El Segundo, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 170000 - 210000
Posted: 22 August 2026 (16 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 19 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward-thinking self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers technical challenges.

SSI is seeking aSpace Vehicle and Payload Engineer for a role in El Segundo CA.

In this role you will provide critical technical expertise to Government mission this pivotal role you will support all phases of planning development and execution for national security satellite operations. As a key technical advisor you will bridge the gap between initial program planning and active mission execution ensuring the seamless operation and long-term sustainment of critical space addition this position will champion the integration of autonomous operations while assisting with overseeing multiple payload development for optical systems and satellite communications alongside the government customer.

Role and Responsibilities include:
  • Provide comprehensive payload and space vehicle engineering support to Government mission managers across all lifecycle phasesfrom initial concept development through active flight operations and logistics.
  • Develop maintain and execute detailed program plans to guide constellation deployment and operational readiness.
  • Define identify monitor and verify mission-unique requirements to align spacecraft capability with evolving mission objectives.
  • Provide critical mission integration services to Government Mission Manager for space vehicle and payload operations logistics and sustainment and launch.
  • Develop and review technical assessments and presentations for senior leadership reviews.
  • Generate mission status reports and presentations for Weekly Staff Meeting Executive Program Reviews and mission status briefings for space domain awareness programs.
  • Review and provides technical evaluations to key mission contractual documentation for sustainment contracts.
  • Support the development and future operations of a sophisticated satellite constellation designed for space-based surveillance and reconnaissance.
  • Manage the Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) process including formulating clear change definitions conducting exhaustive technical evaluations and assessing operational impacts.
  • Collaborate with contractors and government stakeholders to review design modifications ensuring payload compatibility and system integrity.
  • Perform risk assessments on proposed hardware and software changes presenting actionable findings to program leadership.
Required Qualifications:
  • Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering or Engineering specialty with at least ten (10) years of applicable experience.
  • Hands-on experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations logistics or phased deployment schedules.
  • Direct technical experience with optical RF or radar payloads. Experience with communication payloads and link budgets.
  • Experience developing long-term vehicle sustainment plans orbital maneuvers or end-of-life disposal strategies.
  • Active TS clearance with in-scope T5/SSBI is required along with SCI eligibility and participation in Continuous Evaluation.
  • Must meet all requirements for SCI and SAP access and be willing to undergo a polygraph examination.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering or Systems Engineering.
  • Hands-on experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations logistics or phased deployment schedules.
  • Direct technical experience with optical RF or radar payloads. Experience with communication payloads and link budgets
  • Experience developing long-term vehicle sustainment plans orbital maneuvers or end-of-life disposal strategies.
  • Travel is 10%.
$170000 - $210000 a year

Target salary range: $170000 - $210000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range and bonus potential for this position based on experience and other factors. We offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.

Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.
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Required Experience:

IC


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Systems Engineering, Spacecraft Development, Program Management – SSI has the Experience

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