Senior System Engineer

Astroscale U.S.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range: $145k–$175k

On-site Denver role

Job summary

Astroscale U.S. Inc. is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Design Engineer in Denver, CO to design and deliver integrated satellite systems for on-orbit servicing missions. You will develop system architectures, define interfaces, and manage the technical baseline across programs while collaborating with international teams.

The role requires 8+ years in engineering/operations with at least 2 years in technical leadership, a Bachelor's at minimum (Master/PhD preferred), and willingness to travel <20% to support meetings with customers and partners. Salary range: $145k–$175k per year.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering satellite systems end-to-end including CONOPS, requirements and budgets.
• Understanding of satellite and ground segment life cycles from design to…
• Experience with on-orbit rendezvous and proximity operations is highly desired.
• Familiarity with spacecraft environmental testing, launch, and commissioning.
• Strong communication, documentation and interpersonal skills; capable of leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver an integrated technical solution for a satellite system meeting requirements and operations.
• Define and manage systems engineering artifacts and satellite baseline.
• Lead interface definition for deployment and hosting of on-orbit servicing payloads.
• Analyze risks and exploit opportunities while maintaining schedule and cost.
• Act as primary technical liaison to prime contractor; engage with meetings across time zones.

Skills

On-time satellite delivery

Systems life cycle

On-orbit rendezvous

Environmental testing

Strong communication

Engineering leadership 2+ yrs

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Job description

Astroscale U.S. is dedicated to the global Astroscale vision of ensuring the safe and sustainable development of space for future generations. Astroscale U.S. Inc. is a leading provider of on-orbit servicing solutions — including inspection, transportation, life extension, debris removal and refueling — for the U.S. government, partner governments and commercial operators around the world. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Astroscale U.S. applies world-class rendezvous, proximity operations and docking capabilities, mission design, policy, and economics expertise to solve the complex challenges our customers face.

Astroscale U.S. Inc. is currently seeking a Senior Spacecraft Design Engineer to join our team in our Denver, Colorado location. In this role, you will work on systems design of a variety of programs for Astroscale service missions. You will be integral to developing the on-orbit servicing solutions that will deliver our vision of a sustainable space environment.

Job Description

• Deliver an integrated technical solution for a satellite system that meets the prime’s expectations, mission requirements and concept of operations.
• Define, create, and management of necessary systems engineering artifacts and management of the satellite technical baseline.
• Lead interface definition for deployment and hosting of on-orbit servicing payloads.
• Leverage technical knowledge to analyze, investigate and resolve technical risks and exploit opportunities.
• Act as the primary technical liaison to the prime contractor. Extensive working groups, manage scope across diverse perspectives, lead/own.
• Support meetings across international time zones.
• Keep the project within the cost and schedule provided through risk management and program milestones.
• Enforce compliance with relevant standards and requirements including for flight safety, launch, and licensing.
• Domestic and international travel (<20%) will be expected to support meetings with the customer.
• Overseeing AI&T, TRR through satellite delivery, launch vehicle integration.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with on-time satellite delivery, including management of CONOPS, requirements, ICDs and technical budgets through operations.
• Understanding of all aspects of the satellite system life cycle, including designing and analyzing space and ground segments to the subsystem level.
• On-orbit rendezvous and proximity operations experience is highly desired.
• Familiarity with spacecraft level environmental testing, launch, and commissioning.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment; self-driven and motivated.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Experienced professional with greater than 8 years’ experience in engineering and operations with at least 2 years in a technical leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree minimum, Master’s degree or PhD preferred in science, technology, engineering or math, or equivalent experience.

Additional information

If you’re passionate about our mission and believe you’d be an outstanding addition to our team, don’t worry about checking every single box—or having a background solely in aerospace or defense. At Astroscale U.S., we’re committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and open-minded environment. We embrace a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking.

Deadline to apply is October 4, 2026.

Salary range: $145-175k. The salary range represents the low and high end of the Astroscale U.S. Inc. salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, knowledge, and ability as applicable to the role.

Please note Astroscale U.S. is a U.S. Government registered, export control compliant company, as such applicants must be a U.S. person or U.S. citizen.

Astroscale U.S. Inc. is an E-Verify employer.