Systems Engineer

This role focuses on end-to-end systems engineering and verification for spaceflight hardware, including satellites and launch vehicles. The Systems Engineer designs and executes comprehensive test campaigns for both electrical and mechanical spaceflight hardware, ensuring that complex systems perform reliably in the demanding conditions of launch and on-orbit operation. This position plays a key role in scaling from prototype and research and development efforts to full-scale production programs in the rapidly evolving small satellite sector.

Systems Engineer

• Lead end‑to‑end systems engineering activities for spaceflight hardware, including satellites, payloads, and launch vehicle components.
• Plan, design, and implement system‑level verification strategies to ensure that all hardware and subsystems meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Design test plans, test procedures, and test articles for electrical and mechanical spaceflight hardware across the full development lifecycle.
• Run and oversee environmental testing campaigns, including shock, thermal vacuum (TVAC), and vibration testing, to validate performance in launch and on‑orbit environments.
• Coordinate and integrate test engineering activities with hardware, systems, and satellite engineering teams to ensure cohesive system performance.
• Support troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and resolution of issues identified during system integration and test.
• Document test results, generate clear test reports, and provide data‑driven recommendations to engineering and leadership teams.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transition designs from prototyping and R&D into scalable, full‑production hardware builds.
• Ensure all test activities comply with applicable standards, internal processes, and customer requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of systems engineering and test processes to enhance quality, reliability, and efficiency.

• 12+ years of experience in systems engineering with a focus on end‑to‑end verification of complex systems.
• Proven experience in systems engineering for spaceflight hardware, including satellites and launch vehicles.
• Hands‑on experience in test engineering for spaceflight hardware, covering both electrical and mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to design test plans, test procedures, and test articles for spaceflight hardware.
• Practical experience running environmental tests such as shock, thermal vacuum (TVAC), and vibration testing.
• Strong background in hardware systems engineering for satellites and other spaceflight platforms.
• Ability to work across disciplines to integrate and verify complex hardware and system architectures.
• Active or obtainable security clearance at the Secret level (minimum).

• Experience supporting unclassified payload programs, including electro‑optical/infrared (EO/IR) and radio frequency (RF) payloads.
• Background in transitioning from prototype and R&D efforts to full‑scale production hardware builds.
• Familiarity with the small satellite sector and miniaturized sensor systems.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and documentation skills in a hardware‑focused environment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented organization working on multiple concurrent programs.

The role is based in a manufacturing environment focused on the design, development, build, and deployment of ground‑based and space‑based instrumentation, particularly small satellite and spaceflight hardware. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and test personnel, frequently engaging with environmental test facilities and specialized equipment for shock, thermal vacuum, and vibration testing.

Contract position based in Louisville, CO.

Hourly rate: $65–$85/hr.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) retirement plan – pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life insurance (voluntary life & AD&D) for employee and dependents
• Short- and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee…