System Engineer

STR; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 174,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

STR is seeking a Lead Space System Engineer to steer systems engineering for a cutting-edge space-based sensing platform. You will architect the system, define requirements for constellation ops, and balance performance with SWAP-C and security while collaborating with leadership and partners.

You will lead the team, drive C2, intersatellite comms, and ground processing requirements, and guide interface definitions. This is a fast-paced role with growth potential across the organization.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• BS with 7+ years of experience or MS with 5+ years in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in a Lead Space System Engineer / Systems Engineering role.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering and requirements development/management for a space-based sensing platform.
• Architect and drive analysis to derive C2, data transport, and processing requirements.
• Collaborate with team leads and subcontractors on the technology roadmap to test and integrate subsystems.
• Define mission partitioning between space and ground segments, author ICDs.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior staff to elevate technical capability.

Skills

System engineering

Leadership

Requirements management

Space systems

Flight software

Systems lifecycle

Education

Bachelor's or higher in a relevant field

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

Interface Control Documents (ICDs)

Job description

About the Team:

The Sensors Division develops advanced solutions in radar, space-based sensing, electronic warfare, and underwater acoustics. Within the Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector, we focus on advancing space sensing, space control, and counter-sensing technologies for critical national security missions.

The Role:

Lead Space System Engineer

The SMS Sector is seeking a Lead Space System Engineer to leverage their systems engineering expertise in a dynamic Research & Development environment. In this role, you will be an integral part of a team dedicated to the development of a cutting-edge space-based sensing system platform.

You will architect the system and define requirements for the constellation, encompassing command and control (C2), intersatellite communications, ground processing, spectrum allocation, and satellite sensor modes. You will drive the critical decision-making process on how functionality is partitioned between space and ground segments, balancing mission performance against key constraints such as SWAP-C and security.

As the system engineer, you will collaborate closely with program leadership and external partners to establish and execute the program’s objectives, requirements, and development plan. You will also play a key role in assessing current and future system capabilities and providing technical development insights for business development initiatives. This position offers significant opportunities for career growth within a fast-paced and rapidly expanding company.

What you will do:

• Lead systems engineering and requirements development/management for a team building a space-based sensing platform.
• Architect and drive detailed analysis to derive command and control, data transport, and processing requirements.
• Collaborate with other team leads and subcontractors on the technology roadmap to test and integrate complex subsystems.
• Define mission partitioning between the system under development and other government systems, authoring the Interface Control Documents (ICDs) that govern these critical interactions.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior staff to elevate the team's overall technical capability.

Who you are:

• Clearance: Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• BS with 7+ years of experience or MS with 5+ years of experience in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or related field. With a proven track record in a System Engineering role.
• Sensing Expertise: Deep technical expertise in one or more of the following:
• Space-based RF/RADAR processing (including signal processing, spectrum allocation, or electronic warfare).
• Space-based Optical sensing and processing (including focal plane arrays, optical trains, or image processing).
• Flight Software: Proven experience with satellite flight software architectures, including real-time software development and hardware-software interface definition.
• Systems Lifecycle: Multi-disciplinary knowledge in mission modeling, systems design, hardware/firmware integration, and testing.
• Leadership: Skilled at directing the activities of development teams and managing technical deliverables.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical requirements into actionable plans.

Even Better:

• Prior experience working on SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) or SAP (Special Access Programs).
• Experience designing, integrating, and testing optical communications hardware.
• Experience providing technical contributions to business development and proposal efforts.
• Experience with field test planning and execution.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $174.000 to $225.000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.