System Engineer

Space Systems Lead - Hybrid | San Francisco / Phoenix - Optical Communications We’re supporting an early-stage space technology company developing high-bandwidth optical communications systems for missions spanning Earth orbit and beyond. They’re hiring a Space Systems Lead to take technical ownership across their space segment - including flight terminals, avionics and the interfaces connecting the payload to the wider spacecraft. This isn't a systems role where you'll spend your entire week maintaining requirements documents. They need someone who understands the discipline of space systems engineering but is equally comfortable getting close to real flight hardware. Key Responsibilities Own architecture across optical terminals, avionics, structures, thermal, power and spacecraft interfaces. Develop and flow down requirements from mission level into subsystem and component specifications. Own major design reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR and TRR. Lead verification and validation planning and execution. Support environmental qualification across vibration, shock, TVAC, EMC and radiation. Manage technical interfaces with spacecraft/bus providers, launch partners and hosted payload partners. Develop and manage ICDs. Support EEE parts selection, radiation assurance and technical risk management. Lead assembly, integration and test campaigns. Support launch operations, on-orbit commissioning and anomaly resolution. Key Requirements BS/MS in Aerospace, Electrical, Optical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline. Hands-on experience developing real flight or flight-like hardware. Strong understanding of spacecraft/system architecture. Experience with requirements, V