Space Systems Engineer

Astrion; Kirtland (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support spacecraft engineering, satellite operations, and ground system development for the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, NM. This on-site role requires a DoD Secret clearance and involves mission planning, development activities, and on-orbit operations for small satellite programs.

Ideal candidates are junior to mid-level engineers with experience in orbital mechanics, spacecraft subsystems, and a full lifecycle of spacecraft

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
• Experience with scripting in MATLAB or Python and orbital simulation tools.
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and space mission operations.

Responsibilities

• Execute technical tasks from government engineers and program managers.
• Support spacecraft systems engineering, requirements management, risk tracking, and orbit analysis.
• Assist on-orbit spacecraft operations and mission experiments.
• Lead small satellite missions as mission manager or technical lead when assigned.
• Contribute to design, development, integration, and testing of subsystems and ground systems.
• Produce engineering reports and analysis to support mission development and operations.
• Identify risks and help develop mitigation strategies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Technical communication

Leadership in technical discussions

Documentation

Scripting for analysis

MATLAB

Python

Orbital mechanics understanding

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

STK

FreeFlyer

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Overview

Space Systems Engineer

LOCATION: Kirtland AFB, NM (On-Site)

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: DoD Secret Clearance

TRAVEL: 10%

Astrion is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support spacecraft engineering, satellite operations, and ground system development for the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base.

This role is ideal for junior- to mid-level engineers with experience in Orbital Mechanics, spacecraft systems engineering, satellite operations, and the spacecraft development lifecycle. The engineer will support mission planning, spacecraft development activities, and on-orbit mission operations for small satellite programs.

Education

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Bachelor of Science in one of the following or a related technical field:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Experience

• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
• Experience with spacecraft orbital simulation software (e.g., Systems Tool Kit (STK), FreeFlyer)
• Experience with spacecraft development or satellite operations
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and interfaces including power, communications, command and data handling, and attitude determination and control systems (ADCS)

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and execute technical tasking
• Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to lead technical discussions and coordinate engineering activities
• Strong technical documentation and organizational skills
• Ability to develop well-documented analysis scripts and technical tools

Preferred Qualifications / Skills

• Professional experience in a space systems engineering or spacecraft operations role
• Experience supporting spacecraft mission planning or on-orbit operations
• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field

Responsibilities

• Execute technical tasking from government engineers and program managers
• Support spacecraft systems engineering activities including requirements management, risk tracking, architecture trades, and orbit analysis
• Support on-orbit spacecraft operations and mission experiments
• Serve as mission manager or technical lead for small satellite missions when assigned
• Support the design, development, integration, and testing of spacecraft subsystems and ground systems
• Produce engineering documentation, reports, and analysis supporting mission development and operations
• Identify technical risks and support development of mitigation strategies
• Support spacecraft mission planning and experiment execution