System Engineer

Akkar; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Akkar is seeking a Systems Engineer to advance satellite missions and communications payloads. You will translate customer requirements into robust, end-to-end architectures and collaborate with RF, electrical, software and mission operations teams.

This role covers requirements decomposition, system integration, verification planning and interface management across payloads, spacecraft platforms and ground systems. Experience in MBSE, SysML and ECSS/DoD standards is valued.

Qualifications

• Degree in systems or aerospace engineering or related field.
• Experience designing and evaluating satellite payloads.
• Proven ability to manage system requirements and interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain system-level requirements and architectures.
• Support design and development of satellite payloads and subsystems.
• Perform system-level analyses, trade studies and assessments.
• Define interfaces between payloads, spacecraft and ground systems.
• Support integration, verification and validation activities.
• Prepare system specifications and verification plans.
• Coordinate with RF, software, electrical and mission operations teams.
• Participate in design reviews and troubleshooting.

Skills

Satellite systems

Payload design

RF systems

MBSE / SysML

Systems engineering

Requirements management

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Systems Engineering or related

Tools

Cameo

Capella

Job description

We are a growing aerospace, defense and space technology company developing advanced satellite and communications systems for a new generation of space-based applications.

Our teams work across the full satellite lifecycle, from mission and system architecture through design, integration, verification and in-orbit operations. As we continue to expand, we are looking for an experienced Systems Engineer with a strong background in communication payloads and satellite systems.

The Role

As a Systems Engineer, you will play a key role in the development and delivery of satellite missions and communication payloads. You will work across multidisciplinary engineering teams, translating mission and customer requirements into robust system architectures and technical solutions.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to projects spanning satellite platforms, RF/communications payloads, ground systems and end-to-end mission architectures.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain system-level requirements, architectures and technical specifications.
• Support the design and development of satellite communication payloads and associated subsystems.
• Perform system-level analysis, trade studies and technical assessments.
• Define and manage interfaces between payloads, spacecraft platforms and ground systems.
• Support requirements decomposition and traceability throughout the engineering lifecycle.
• Contribute to system integration, verification and validation (IV&V) activities.
• Develop and review technical documentation, including system specifications, interface control documents and verification plans.
• Support RF, communications and payload performance analysis where required.
• Work closely with electrical, RF, software, mechanical, avionics and mission operations teams.
• Participate in design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR and qualification/acceptance reviews.
• Support system-level troubleshooting, anomaly investigations and resolution.
• Engage with customers, suppliers and partners on technical matters.
• Contribute to the development of engineering processes, tools and best practices.

About You

We are looking for a Systems Engineer who combines strong technical fundamentals with practical experience developing complex aerospace or satellite systems.

• Degree or equivalent experience in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Communications Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional experience working on satellite or spacecraft systems.
• Experience with communications payloads, RF systems or satellite communications.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft system architectures and subsystem interfaces.
• Experience developing and managing system requirements.
• Experience with system-level integration, verification and validation.
• Ability to perform technical analysis and communicate complex engineering concepts clearly.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• RF payload architecture and performance budgets.
• Satellite communications standards and technologies.
• Link budgets, RF budgets or communications system analysis.
• Antenna systems and RF front-end architectures.
• Digital communications and signal processing.
• Payload data handling and avionics interfaces.
• MBSE / SysML and tools such as Cameo, Capella or similar.
• Experience with satellite environmental testing and qualification.
• Experience with LEO, MEO or GEO satellite missions.
• Ground segment and end-to-end communications architecture.
• Experience working within ECSS, ESA, NASA, DoD or other aerospace/defence standards.
• Experience operating in a regulated or security-conscious environment.