Lead Spacecraft Architect & Systems Engineer (VLEO)

SpaceNews; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwire Space Missions, LLC in Littleton, CO, seeks a Sr. Level Systems Engineer & Space Craft Architect to lead full lifecycle spacecraft development for VLEO missions.

You will shape system architecture, drive requirements, and guide cross‑functional teams through critical reviews from concept to operations. The role emphasizes technical leadership, MBSE, and hands‑on work with high‑fidelity simulations, testbeds, and verification activities, in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 10 or more years of relevant engineering experience in the space industry.
• Proven experience across the full space systems engineering lifecycle—from architecture and design through integration, test, and operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, guiding technical teams through complex, multi‑disciplinary development.
• US citizenship with ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Drive the technical vision—leading system architecture creation, requirements development, design, integration, test, and verification/validation from concept to operations.
• Lead mission‑critical milestone reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR, ensuring the spacecraft technical baseline is strong, stable, and forward‑looking.
• Own and shape spacecraft interfaces across component, subsystem, and system boundaries; manage ICDs and align cross‑functional technical teams.
• Plan and execute technical reviews that solidify mission readiness and architectural integrity.
• Perform system‑of‑systems and architectural analyses to optimize spacecraft performance in unique VLEO environments.
• Guide the development of high‑fidelity test assets—including simulations, models, analysis tools, testbeds, and GSE—for both hardware and software evaluation.
• Produce clear, authoritative technical documentation, policies, and procedures.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering technical excellence and a growth‑oriented team culture.

Skills

Leadership

MBSE

System architecture

VLEO knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

JAMA

DOORS

Ansys STK

Microsoft Project

Visio

Job description

Redwire Space Missions, LLC in Littleton, CO, seeks a Sr. Level Systems Engineer & Space Craft Architect to lead full lifecycle spacecraft development for VLEO missions.

You will shape system architecture, drive requirements, and guide cross‑functional teams through critical reviews from concept to operations. The role emphasizes technical leadership, MBSE, and hands‑on work with high‑fidelity simulations, testbeds, and verification activities, in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.