Head Of Systems Engineering

MBRYONICS; Galway; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MBRYONICS in Ireland is seeking a seasoned Head of Systems Engineering to lead the systems engineering function for space-grade hardware. You will shape requirements management, integration, and V&V across full lifecycle, from prototype to flight-ready products, ensuring ECSS/NASA compliance and rigorous risk controls.

You will mentor a cross-disciplinary team, collaborate with R&D, CTO, and production, and drive Design for Excellence while maintaining schedules and quality in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 10+ years leading systems engineering for space hardware.
• Experience applying ECSS and NASA standards.
• Proven ability to deliver complex, multi-system integrations.
• Strong leadership and mentoring of engineering teams.
• Experience with satellite integration and environmental testing.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Build and scale systems engineering processes and lifecycle controls.
• Oversee end-to-end requirements architecture and V&V.
• Define change-control, risk-management, and interface-control practices.
• Lead planning and execution toward NASA/ECSS standards.
• Act as technical authority for multi-system integration issues.
• Mentor a high-performing systems engineering team.

Skills

Systems engineering

ECSS standards

Satellite integration

Verification & Validation

ISO 9001

Leadership

FSO tech

Tools

TVAC

Vibration testing

EMI/EMC testing

ECSS documentation

Job description

MBRYONICS is at the forefront of free space optical communications. Our product portfolio covers a wide range of emerging technologies from photonic integrated circuits to advanced optical systems and embedded software solutions. Our optical communications systems are integrated and deployed in satellite communications systems. The work is exciting and challenging and is at the forefront of the technology domains. As part of our expansion, we are currently looking for a suitably motivated Head of Systems Engineering to join our group.

Operating as the organizational and technical lead for our Systems Engineering division, the Head of Systems Engineering is responsible for building and scaling the systemsrequirements management, integration and realisation frameworks required to deliver high-performance space-grade hardware.

This role will cover the full systems lifecycle but will be most impactful with a strong emphasis on integration and reality, you will establish the systems discipline needed to transition high-performance prototypes into fully regulated, space-qualified, and flight-ready products.
You will take complex, interdisciplinary Free Space Optics (FSO) technologies as we drive them through design review, manufacturing physical integration, assembly, testing, and flight qualification.

The role:

• Build, formalize, and scale the company's systems engineering processes, requirements and change management frameworks, and lifecycle controls to align with rigorous space-grade and regulatory standards (ECSS/NASA).
• Oversee end-to-end requirements architecture, flow-down, verification, and validation (V&V) matrices to guarantee strict compliance from sub-system to full payload level.
• Define robust change-control, risk-management, interface-control (ICD), and configuration-management practices across all active projects.
• Lead the planning, specification and execution of efforts to relevant ISO/IEC/JEDEC standards with specific reference to NASA/ECSS.
• Act as the technical authority for solving critical, multi-system integration anomalies during assembly, test, and satellite bus integration.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of systems engineers, establishing clear career progression pathways and a culture of technical rigor in line with MBRYONICS values.
• Serve as the strategic bridge between R&D, CTO architecture, and production to ensure seamless Design for Excellence (DFx) and smooth transition into space-grade manufacturing.

Who You Are

Core Requirements

• Significant industry experience (10+ years preferred) leading systems engineering and physical integration for delivered space or aerospace flight hardware.
• Deep, practical experience applying ECSS and/or NASA standards to build regulated, space-qualified engineering structures and verification frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in the delivery and integration of complex systems.
• Proven capability in building scalable systems engineering infrastructure, interface documentation, and lifecycle compliance systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, grow, and mentor engineering teams, balancing technical authority with operational execution.
• Direct experience leading satellite integration and environmental testing (TVAC, Vibration, EMI/EMC).
• Practical exposure to high-reliability electro-optics, Free Space Optics (FSO), photonics, or high-speed hardware payloads.
• Subject matter expertise in radiation-hardened component qualification, space-grade custody practices, and derating standards.
• Experience working within ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality management environments.
• Commercial acumen to support bid generation, technical proposal validation, and sponsor reviews.

The Impact of This Role

In this position, you will strengthen the backbone of MBRYONICS' systems capability. By bridging the gap between innovative architectural design and physical hardware realization, you will establish the rigorous systems structure needed to reliably build, qualify, and fly next-generation Free Space Optical payloads.

What's in it for you

Career Growth:

Contribute to a world-class space-age communication program while developing your leadership skills in a state-of-the-art manufacturing environment

Collaboration:

Work with talented professionals across disciplines to drive impactful solutions

Innovation:

Be part of a team pioneering advancements in manufacturing engineering for cutting-edge FSO systems

Work-Life Balance:

Enjoy flexible work schedules and a comprehensive benefits package

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

Core ethical values, diversity and inclusion are invaluable to MBRYONICS' business success. We recognise that the broad perspectives that result from recruiting, developing and retaining a globally diverse workforce promotes innovation and helps us succeed as a business enterprise. It is the policy and practice of the Company to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants. The Company will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, civil status, family status, disability, age, or membership of the Traveller community.
MBRYONICS is committed to providing a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process for everyone. If you require any assistance or a reasonable accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know.