PRINCIPAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER Engineering

Space Ocean Corp; Brownsville, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity stake

Remote-friendly

Flexible hours

Cutting-edge tech

Job summary

Space Ocean Corp is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead end-to-end systems engineering for satellite-based fluid transport missions in a remote-capable role. You will own requirements, architecture, modeling, testing, and verification while mentoring teams and shaping technical strategy.

The position emphasizes MBSE, SysML modeling, and advanced aerospace practices, with ITAR considerations and a compensation model based on RSUs rather than cash salary.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in systems engineering, with experience in space systems, satellites, or the broader aerospace industry.
• Proven track record in requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama) and modeling tools (Cameo).
• Strong grasp of systems engineering principles (requirements, architecture, trade studies, FMEA).
• Leadership experience in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Leadership: Guide cross-functional teams (hardware, software, operations) to deliver mission-critical solutions. Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of innovation.
• Translate high-level mission objectives into actionable system/sub-system requirements. Maintain traceability and manage changes across the product lifecycle.
• System Modeling: Develop and validate system models (MBSE, SysML) to optimize architecture, performance, and risk & opportunity management.
• Verification & Validation: Create test plans, evaluate results, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Skills

Leadership

Systems engineering

Mentoring

Ambiguity handling

Tools

DOORS

Jama

Cameo

MBSE

SysML

FMEA

Job description

Join Our Mission to Revolutionize Space Logistics!

Explore the solar system, collect and store the fluid, and sustain life in space.

At Space Ocean we're a cutting-edge space startup on a mission to push the boundaries of exploration and innovation to supply resources for humanity's expansion into space, targeting near-Earth orbit by 2028 and beyond, including Mars.

Compensation: Restricted Share Units (RSUs): There's no cash salary. Compensation is in the form of restricted share units. RSUs vest over time, aligning your interests with the company's future.

PRINCIPAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Remote

• Join Our Mission to Revolutionize Space Logistics!


• Explore every ocean in the solar system, collect and store the fluid, and sustain life in space.


• At Space Ocean we’re a cutting-edge space startup on a mission to push the boundaries of exploration and innovation to supply resources for humanity’s expansion into space, targeting near-Earth orbit by 2027 and beyond, including Mars.


• As we prepare to launch groundbreaking projects, we’re seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead technical excellence and drive the development of next-generation for satellite-based fluid transport missions.


• Role Overview


• As a consulting Principal Systems Engineer, you’ll own the end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle for our missions, ensuring seamless integration of complex systems while mentoring teams and shaping our technical strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership:

• Guide cross-functional teams (hardware, software, operations) to deliver mission-critical solutions. Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of innovation.


• Translate high-level mission objectives into actionable system/sub-system requirements. Maintain traceability and manage changes across the product lifecycle.

System Modeling:

• Develop and validate system models (MBSE, SysML) to optimize architecture, performance, and risk & opportunity management .

Verification & Validation:

• Create test plans, evaluate results, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years in systems engineering, with experience in space systems, satellites, or the broader aerospace industry.


• Proven track record in requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama) and modeling tools (Cameo).


• Strong grasp of systems engineering principles (requirements, architecture, trade studies, FMEA).


• Leadership experience in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with autonomous systems, fault management, or mission operations.


• Knowledge of space mission design, radiation hardening, and constellations.


• Familiarity with Agile/DevOps practices.

Why Join Us?

• Equity stake in a high-growth startup.


• Remote-friendly with flexible hours.


• Cutting-edge tech: Work with advanced tools and platforms.


• Impact: Directly contribute to missions that redefine space sustainability.

ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Compensation: Restricted Share Units (RSUs): There's no cash salary. Compensation is in the form of restricted share units. RSUs vest over time, aligning your interests with the company's future.

Additional Information: Candidates must be willing to undergo a background check and comply with US space regulations and security protocols. We're an equal opportunity employer. US export control compliance may apply.

Space Ocean is an equal opportunity employer. The questions below are entirely voluntary and will not affect your application or hiring decision in any way. This information is used solely for compliance with government recordkeeping, reporting, and other legal requirements, and is kept confidential. Submission of this information is voluntary, and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

A \"protected veteran\" includes disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans, as defined by 41 CFR 60-300.2.

Disability Status

Space Ocean is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all job applicants, including individuals with disabilities. Submission of this information is voluntary and will be kept confidential; it will not be used against you in any way.