Space Systems Lead

EVONA; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

EVONA is seeking a Space Systems Lead in Phoenix, AZ to take technical ownership of the space segment, guiding the architecture, design, qualification and launch of advanced laser communication terminals for spacecraft. You will coordinate across optics, avionics, power, thermal and mechanical teams to ensure end-to-end flight hardware success.

The role requires 5+ years in spacecraft or payload development, a track record of owning systems from architecture through launch, and the ability to

Qualifications

• End-to-end flight hardware experience.
• Experience owning a spacecraft, payload or subsystem from architecture to launch.
• Strong cross-disciplinary engineering capabilities across optics, avionics, power, thermal and mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Own the space segment from architecture through qualification and launch.
• Coordinate systems architecture and requirements across disciplines.
• Oversee optical payload integration and interfaces.
• Lead verification, validation, TVAC, vibration, EMC and radiation qualification.
• Support AIT, launch readiness and on-orbit commissioning.

Skills

Flight hardware

Systems ownership

Cross-disciplinary

Spacecraft

Job description

I’m supporting an early-stage space company developing advanced laser communication terminals for spacecraft.

They’re hiring a Space Systems Lead to take technical ownership of the space segment and help move complex optical hardware from architecture through qualification, launch and on-orbit operation.

This role will sit across the full spacecraft system, including:

• Systems architecture and requirements
• Optical payload integration
• Avionics, power, thermal and mechanical interfaces
• Verification and validation
• TVAC, vibration, shock, EMC and radiation qualification
• AIT and launch readiness
• On-orbit commissioning and technical troubleshooting

The key requirement is genuine end-to-end flight hardware experience.

I’m looking for someone who can point to a spacecraft, payload or subsystem and say:

“I owned this system from early architecture through qualification and launch.”

You’ll likely have 5+ years in spacecraft or payload development and experience operating across multiple engineering disciplines rather than working purely within requirements management.

Relevant backgrounds include spacecraft, optical payloads, satellite communications, EO/IR systems and complex space hardware.

Feel free to message me confidentially if you'd like more detail.