Sr. Space Mission Architect

Sr. Space Mission Architect

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, are leading resources for high‑technology systems. The GA‑EMS Space Systems team is redefining how customers access the possibilities of space through modular, scalable satellite platforms backed by a history of operational flight experience, supporting defense, civil, commercial, and academic mission requirements.

The Space Mission Architect will lead the technical definition and integration of space systems. Responsibilities include conceiving, designing, and planning complex space missions—both space and ground elements—and coordinating with Strategic Development efforts to focus product development on emerging missions and determine industry partners.

• Lead technical solutions for new business pursuits, ensuring that space system architectures meet customer mission requirements.
• Conduct recurring cross‑architecture level trade studies and develop common interoperable solutions.
• Develop partnerships with payload providers to deliver cutting‑edge capabilities and technologies.
• Coordinate with senior internal and external personnel on technical matters requiring inter‑organization collaboration.
• Establish collaborative relationships with peers to ensure synergy across space, ground, and launch.
• Lead and/or contribute to program design and readiness reviews throughout the full lifecycle of complex systems.
• Utilize Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to generate and inform mission architectures, producing deliverables such as:
  • System architecture development and CONOPS
  • System trade studies and modeling
  • Requirements and Interface Control Document (ICD) development
  • System integration, test, and verification
  • Design, milestone, and review documentation (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, IRR, TRR, PSR)

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, combined with progressive engineering experience: eighteen+ years with a bachelor’s, sixteen+ years with a master’s, or thirteen+ years with a PhD. Equivalent experience may substitute for education.
• Experience leading teams in developing complex enterprise‑level system engineering products and integrating systems‑of‑systems.
• Expertise in satellite constellation establishment, maintenance, and contingency resolution; simulation of attitude control dynamics, satellite power systems, and space environmental effects.
• Expertise in payload instrument design, construction, calibration, and mission data analysis.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, enabling effective leadership with other departments, management levels, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• Location:
  
  Englewood, CO (support engineering efforts across San Diego, CA; Englewood, CO; Huntsville, AL). Travel to these sites is expected approximately 25% of the time.
• Must possess an active Top Secret DoD clearance and be able to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Type: Full‑time | Salary range: $140,940 – $252,293