Satellite Systems Engineer

Starfish Space; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Starfish Space is seeking a candidate to refine and deliver Otter satellite servicing capabilities. This role spans performance analysis, systems engineering, and satellite integration and testing support, contributing across a broad range of tasks in a fast-paced startup environment.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years of related experience, hands-on space systems design or operation, and proficiency in Python, with strong knowledge of satellite components and engineering fundamentals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience designing and/or operating space systems.
• Programming in Python.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering.
• Working knowledge of satellite components and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Perform analysis and optimization of Otter services performance.
• Support systems engineering tasks for ongoing missions.
• Assist with satellite integration and testing activities.
• Contribute to delivery of Otter services to customers.

Skills

Python programming

Systems engineering

Satellite knowledge

Startup environment adaptability

Five plus years experience

Education

B.S. Aerospace Engineering or related

Job description

About Starfish Space

Starfish Space provides satellite servicing missions with its Otter servicing vehicle, including life extension missions for geostationary satellites and disposal missions for low Earth orbit satellites. Founded in 2019, Starfish has raised over $150M in venture capital funding and built a team of engineers with experience spanning satellite guidance, navigation, control, and autonomous robotics. Starfish has launched several missions to-date, and is focused on delivering Otter satellite servicing missions for SES, the U.S. Space Force, the Space Development Agency, NASA, and others.

Position Description

Starfish developed the Otter satellite servicing vehicle to provide satellite life extension and end-of-life disposal services. These are ambitious missions which have never been done at scale in space. This position will support the continued refinement and delivery of Otter services to our customers, relying on knowledge of the space environment, satellite operations, and system design skills. This is a broad role, with responsibilities ranging from performance analysis, to systems engineering, to satellite integration and testing support.

Qualifications

• Must be a US person due to ITAR regulations (citizen, permanent resident, or designated asylee / refugee)
• Willing to work from Tukwila, Washington
• Capable of working a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment
• B.S. degree or equivalent in Aerospace Engineering or similar field

Desired Experience

• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Previous experience designing and/or operating space systems
• Programming experience in Python
• Working knowledge of systems engineering
• Working knowledge of satellite components and technologies

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.