Senior Spacecraft Systems Architect – On-Orbit Servicing

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Astroscale U.S. Inc. in Denver, CO, is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Design Engineer to lead systems design across multiple service missions.

You will define the system architecture, manage engineering baselines, and act as the primary technical liaison to the prime contractor in a fast-paced, global environment. You will oversee interface definitions for on-orbit servicing payloads, guide risk management, and ensure compliance with safety, launch, and licensing standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or math; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of engineering and operations experience with at least 2 years in a technical leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of CONOPS, ICDs, and spacecraft budgets.
• Experience with on-orbit rendezvous and proximity operations is highly desired.
• Excellent communication and ability to work across time zones.

Responsibilities

• Deliver an integrated technical solution for a satellite system meeting prime expectations and mission requirements.
• Define and manage systems engineering artifacts and the satellite technical baseline.
• Lead interface definition for deployment and hosting of on-orbit servicing payloads.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks, and exploit opportunities.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison to the prime contractor in international teams.
• Support meetings across international time zones and manage scope with stakeholders.
• Control cost and schedule through risk management and milestones.
• Ensure compliance with flight safety, launch, and licensing standards.
• Travel up to 20% for customer meetings and reviews.

Skills

Satellite design

Leadership

Systems engineering

Requirements management

CONOPS/ICDs

Spacecraft testing

Technical liaison

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Job description

Astroscale U.S. Inc. in Denver, CO, is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Design Engineer to lead systems design across multiple service missions.

You will define the system architecture, manage engineering baselines, and act as the primary technical liaison to the prime contractor in a fast-paced, global environment. You will oversee interface definitions for on-orbit servicing payloads, guide risk management, and ensure compliance with safety, launch, and licensing standards.