Sr. Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) match

Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Education reimbursement

Paid maternity and paternity leave

Job summary

Terran Orbital Corporation in Irvine, California is seeking a Sr. Spacecraft Systems Engineer to support spacecraft design and development. This role requires technical ownership from concept through testing, collaboration across teams, and managing subsystem specifications.

The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in systems engineering with a BS or MS in aerospace engineering. An understanding of satellite systems and tools like MATLAB and SolidWorks is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering or similar disciplines.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for technical ownership of the full product lifecycle.
• Participate in the design and development of spacecraft systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and integrate subsystems.
• Conduct detailed technical analyses and simulations.
• Document architecture diagrams and system interfaces.

Skills

Experience in systems engineering

Familiarity with spacecraft systems

Requirements mapping and decomposition

Knowledge of MATLAB

Experience with SolidWorks

Understanding of satellite program lifecycles

Education

BS or MS in aerospace engineering or related discipline

Tools

MATLAB

SolidWorks

STK

Linux

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast‑growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state‑of‑the‑art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Position

Sr. Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Position Summary

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Spacecraft Systems Engineer to report to the Senior Systems Engineering Manager. The role will support the systems engineering team in the development, analysis, and definition of spacecraft designs. The engineer will use their technical expertise to define and manage subsystem specifications, interface control documents, the concept of operations, and system performance analyses for satellite space and ground systems.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for technical ownership of the full product lifecycle from concept through design, manufacturing, test, and verification
• Participate in the design and development of spacecraft systems, ensuring compliance with mission requirements and industry standards
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and integrate various subsystems, including propulsion, power, communication, and thermal control
• Conduct detailed technical analyses and simulations to validate system performance and identify potential issues
• Assist in the development and management of system requirements, ensuring traceability from high‑level mission objectives down to component specifications
• Work with government and commercial customers to define system requirements and coordinate all technical aspects of the mission
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop optimal solutions to complex problems
• Develop system architectures that efficiently satisfy customer and internal requirements
• Perform system trade studies to balance risk, cost, and performance
• Document architecture diagrams, system interfaces, requirements, flow‑downs, allocations, and verification methodologies
• Prepare and lead system design reviews
• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for spacecraft systems and subsystems
• Identify, analyze, and resolve technical issues that arise during the design, development, and testing phases
• Perform requirements verification and validation activities to ensure compliance with mission goals
• Additional responsibilities as necessary, including support of other program or product teams when subject‑matter expertise, review, or input is required

Requirements

• BS or MS in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering or similar disciplines related to spacecraft
• Familiarity with satellite systems and subsystems
• Familiarity with requirements mapping and decomposition
• Familiarity with MATLAB, SolidWorks, STK, and Linux
• Familiarity with satellite system budgets, including mass, power, and link budgets
• Familiarity with satellite program lifecycles, development flows, test events, and verification and validation
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Benefits

• Salary Range: $135,000 – $175,000 USD
• 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and swag
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Covered life insurance

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].