Space-to-Ground Systems Integration Engineer

Job Summary

The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on‑site at our facility in El Segundo, CA (or alternative locations at Colorado Springs, CO or Chantilly, VA).

• Lead cross‑segment systems integration across space‑to‑ground, ground‑to‑user, and space‑to‑user interfaces for mission‑critical satellite and ground systems. Ensure seamless integration between space vehicles, ground control systems, user equipment, and communication networks.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test and verification programs for space, ground, and user segment systems. Create and review system functional and performance test plans, defining verification and validation approaches, and supporting program and design reviews throughout development, test, and transition to operations.
• Manage requirements flow‑down and verification for space and ground segment systems, including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), engineering models, simulations, testbeds, and special test equipment. Ensure requirements traceability from mission concept of operations through prototype development, initial flight checkout, flight operations, and operational transition.
• Provide mission assurance and systems engineering support for space‑to‑ground architecture development in commercial cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP). Identify technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure integration efforts meet mission objectives and security requirements.
• Analyze and recommend solutions for space‑to‑ground system architecture, software design, acquisition strategies, operations, and sustainment. Support decision‑making processes through technical analysis, trade studies, and risk assessments.
• Establish modern development practices by implementing Agile and Dev Sec Ops  methodologies for space‑to‑ground system software development. Define development metrics, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, and automated testing frameworks.
• Create integration plans and coordinate across disciplines by developing space‑to‑ground, space‑to‑user, and ground‑to‑user segment integration plans (SIPs), system engineering plans (SEPs), system test and integration plans (STIPs) using Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP) and Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMP). Lead requirements verification activities and coordinate with spacecraft systems, flight software, ground software, and operations teams to ensure end‑to‑end mission success.
• Support operational testing and evaluation by participating in developmental tests (DT), operational tests (OT), and integrated test events. Analyze test results, document findings, and provide technical recommendations to government customers and program leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• 5 years of experience in Test and Evaluation (T&E), verification of space‑to‑ground or ground‑to‑user segment interface requirements including systems engineering, and/or operations of space systems, satellites, and/or ground systems infrastructure within the U.S. government agencies and/or aerospace industry.
• Direct experience with space systems (satellite development, ground station operations, mission operations, or space system integration).
• Understanding of space and/or ground system architecture and satellite operations including orbital mechanics, satellite subsystems (e.g., spacecraft bus, payload), ground system functions (command and control, telemetry and mission data processing, and space‑to‑ground (or ground‑to‑user) data links and protocols).
• Experience with systems (and/or system of systems) integration planning, execution, and test; familiarity with System Integration Plans (SIP), Systems Engineering Plans (SEP), and System Test and Integration Plans (STIP).
• Experience with systems engineering tools (e.g., Cameo), test management software, simulation environments (STK, Simulink), or scripting languages (Python, MATLAB).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with strong communication skills.
• Secret clearance required (active clearance preferred, or ability to obtain one).