Chief Space Systems Architect

General Atomics; Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 140,940 - 252,293; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking a Chief Space Systems Architect in Englewood, CO. You will act as the senior technical authority for space architectures across RS3 programs, shaping concepts, leading system trades, and guiding MBSE implementation.

You will collaborate with spacecraft engineers, payload teams, and customers to ensure feasible, verifiable designs within cost and schedule constraints. TS/SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in engineering or related field with progressive experience.
• 15+ years in space system design, integration and test.
• Nationally recognized expert with publications, talks, or patents.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief technical authority for space system architectures across multiple programs.
• Lead system trades, define requirements, interfaces, and MBSE implementation.
• Provide technical leadership to systems engineers and collaborate with SMEs.

Skills

System architecture

MBSE

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. GA-EMS Remote Space Sensing Systems (RS3) is redefining access to space with modular, scalable small satellite platforms and constellations. Backed by proven on-orbit performance, our small satellite solutions support defense, intelligence and civil science missions.

Our team is adding a Chief Space Systems Architect in Englewood, CO. As a senior technical authority for space system architectures within RS3, you will be responsible for defining and overseeing end-to-end space architectures across multiple satellite and constellation development programs. You will shape mission concepts and CONOPS with customers, lead system-level trades and analysis, and guide the flow-down of architectures into requirements, interfaces, and verification strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the chief technical authority for space system architectures across multiple development programs, defining end‑to‑end solutions that meet complex mission objectives using space-based platforms supporting EO/IR, Multi-INT, communications, and advanced payloads/sensors.
• Lead the development and maturation of system architectures and CONOPS in close collaboration with mission customers and users; direct system trades and analysis, guide requirements and interface decomposition, and oversee verification and validation planning to ensure architectural integrity.
• Provide technical leadership and direction to Systems Engineers across programs, driving consistent approaches to trade studies, system architecture definition, payload selection, make/buy decisions, requirements synthesis/allocation, and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) implementation.
• Collaborate closely with spacecraft engineering SMEs, system integrators, payload teams, and other domain experts to ensure system designs are technically feasible, verifiable, manufacturable, and aligned with cost, schedule, and risk constraints.
• Use strong communication and leadership skills to build consensus on architectural decisions across GA-EMS organizations and the broader customer/user/stakeholder community, clearly articulating technical rationale, risks, and trade-offs to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Partner with program management and business development to define and communicate the fundamental architectural approach in proposals and capture activities, ensuring appropriate scope, risk posture, and technical baseline are established for new and evolving space system opportunities.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; eighteen or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree, sixteen or more years of experience with a master's degree, or thirteen or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have at least 15 years of experience in space system design, integration and test.
• Must be a nationally recognized expert in one or more engineering fields as demonstrated by:
  • Original work(s) published in national professional engineering journals
  • Invited presentations to national engineering symposiums.
  • Participation as Chair on national engineering review panels.
  • Engineering patents held.
• Has demonstrated leadership ability by directing/developing the solution(s) to highly technical and complex engineering problems, and has been a key participant in attracting and retaining engineering business as well as professional staff.
• Must possess the ability to:
  • Guide the resolution of unusually complex technical problems.
  • Champion the development of new concepts and principles and serve as an expert spokesperson on those concepts and principles.
  • Must also possess excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, be customer focused, and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective leadership interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• Able to work extended hours as required. Travel is expected, but less than 25%.
• Must have active TS/SCI security clearance.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 140,940 - 252,293