Space Systems Engineer – Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

Raptor Dynamix; Monument (CO); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

AD&D

Disability insurance

401(k) plan

Flexible spending account

Unlimited PTO

Paid holidays

Job summary

Raptor Dynamix, based in Monument, Colorado, is seeking a Space Systems Engineer specializing in Space Domain Awareness (SDA). This full-time role involves designing, integrating, and deploying space sensing and analytics systems, interfacing with AI-enabled analytics and mission engineering.

The position requires a strong SDA background, space mission knowledge, and the ability to obtain Top-Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience working on space systems or SDA-related programs.
• Working knowledge of space missions, satellite systems, and ground segments.
• Experience with SDA concepts such as space object tracking, cataloging, or characterization.
• Strong systems thinking and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform end-to-end systems engineering for SDA solutions across space, ground, and interfaces.
• Translate mission needs and CONOPS into technical requirements, architectures, and interfaces.
• Support spacecraft, payload, and ground system integration efforts.
• Develop and maintain system diagrams, ICDs, trade studies, and requirements matrices.

Skills

SDA concepts

Space systems engineering

Systems thinking

Documentation

Mission analysis

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelors in Systems Engineering

Job description

Space Systems Engineer – Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

Raptor Dynamix

Raptor Dynamix is a defense and space technology company developing AI-driven autonomy,

cognitive sensing, and edge-compute systems for mission-critical applications. Our focus areas

include space domain awareness (SDA), Counter-UAS (C-UAS), autonomous sensing, and secure

AI systems operating in contested, degraded, and denied environments. We build technologies

that move beyond analytics—into decision-grade autonomy, operating at the tactical edge, on-

orbit, and across multi-domain defense systems.

Compensation

Raptor Dynamix is looking for a talented Space Systems Engineer – Space Domain Awareness (SDA) to join the team full-time. This position pays $115,000 — $175,000 per year.

Raptor Dynamix offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as life, AD&D, and short and long-term disability insurance. Raptor Dynamix employees can also participate in a 401(k) plan, flexible spending account, and an unlimited time off policy and paid federal holidays.

Job Description

Raptor Dynamix is seeking a Space Systems Engineer with a strong background in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) to support the design, integration, and deployment of next-generation space sensing and analytics systems. This role sits at the intersection of space mission engineering, sensing, software, and AI-enabled analytics, and is ideal for someone who understands how space systems operate in real missions—tracking objects, characterizing behavior, and enabling

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience working on space systems or SDA-related programs.
• Working knowledge of space missions, satellite systems, and ground segments.
• Experience with SDA concepts such as space object tracking, cataloging, or characterization.
• Strong systems thinking and documentation skills.

Clearance Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DoD, Space Force, or intelligence community space programs.
• Familiarity with optical/RF sensors, orbit analysis tools, or space surveillance systems.
• Experience with modeling & simulation or mission analysis tools.
• Exposure to AI/ML applications in space or ISR contexts.
• Experience in startup, rapid-prototyping, or small-team environments.

The ideal candidate is capable, motivated, and willing to learn and grow as the position evolves.

As a Space Systems Engineer – Space Domain Awareness (SDA), you must be able to:

• Perform end-to-end systems engineering for SDA solutions across space, ground, and
• Translate mission needs and CONOPS into technical requirements, architectures, and interfaces.
• Support spacecraft, payload, and ground system integration efforts.
• Develop and maintain system diagrams, ICDs, trade studies, and requirements matrices.

Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

• Contribute to SDA mission design including detection, tracking, characterization, and anomaly assessment.
• Support architectures involving optical, RF, radar, or hybrid sensing for space object observation.
• Assist with orbit determination concepts, sensor tasking, data fusion, and analytics
• Collaborate on techniques for behavioral analysis, change detection, and threat identification in the space domain.

Autonomy & Analytics Integration

• Work closely with AI/ML teams to integrate on-orbit or ground-based analytics into SDA workflows.
• Support deployment of edge or near-edge processing for space applications.
• Help define data flows, latency requirements, and operational constraints for autonomous

Program & Customer Support

• Support government and commercial customers in technical discussions and design reviews.
• Contribute to SBIR/STTRs, OTAs, and proposal technical volumes related to SDA and space systems.
• Participate in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and mission readiness activities.

Please note this list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Location

This position will be based at the Company’s Monument, Colorado office location, but you will have the option to work remotely however on-site is preferred.

Disclaimer

Applicants may be subject to a background check. Employees in this position must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. If requested, Raptor Dynamix will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to enable employees with disabilities to perform the position’s essential job duties. As markets change and the Company grows, job descriptions may change over time as requirements and employee skill levels evolve. With this understanding, Raptor Dynamix retains the right to change or assign other duties to this Space Systems Engineer – Space Domain Awareness (SDA) position.

Application Deadline

Raptor Dynamix will be accepting applications until November 30, 2026.

EEO Statement

Raptor Dynamix is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Raptor Dynamix is an E-Verify program participant.