Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Astro Digital; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Astro Digital seeks a Spacecraft Systems Engineer in Littleton, CO to support civil, commercial, and defense programs. You will develop budgets, craft requirements, run verifications, and guide mission development while working hands-on with flight hardware.

The role emphasizes collaboration across engineering, production, and operations teams, with opportunities to influence design, test plans, and mission concepts in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 2–5 years of experience in aerospace/satellite development, from initial design to on-orbit operations.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems including attitude determination and control, power, space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling, and thermal control.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain performance budgets for vehicle systems.
• Define system requirements and verification processes; lead test planning and execution.
• Create simulations and analyses of vehicle functions; develop test strategies and data evaluation.
• Lead the technical development of spacecraft missions and support program management activities.
• Define interface specifications, CONOPS, and other design documentation.

Skills

Attitude determination and control

Space-ground communications

On-orbit command and data handling

Thermal control

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Astro Digital is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado with roughly 110 employees and infrastructure around the globe.

Position Summary

We are currently seeking Spacecraft Systems Engineers for future opportunities for our systems engineering teams based out of Littleton, CO. The Spacecraft Systems Engineer team supports programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Systems engineers are responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. They also work hands-on with flight hardware and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain:
• Performance budgets for vehicle systems
• System requirements and verification processes
• Simulations and analyses of vehicle functions
• Test strategies and data evaluation
• Lead the technical development of spacecraft missions
• Support program management activities
• Define interface specifications, CONOPS, and other design documentation

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• 2-5 years of experience in aerospace/satellite development, from initial design to on-orbit operations
• Strong understanding of key spacecraft subsystems, including:
• Attitude determination and control
• Spacecraft electrical power systems
• Space-ground communications
• On-orbit command and data handling
• Thermal control
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary teams, including engineering, production and operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or related field)
• In-depth knowledge of the space environment, including materials selection, radiation effects, and degradation factors
• Experience testing electrical subsystems and assemblies
• Understanding of satellite dynamics and orbital mechanics
• Proficiency in systems engineering tools, simulation software, and programming languages
• Experience in environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum, EMI, or vibration testing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 Lbs. Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required.

Export Statement

This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 22 CFR §120.15 and 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.