Space Systems Engineer

Space Systems Engineer 

LOCATION: Kirtland AFB, NM (On-Site) 

JOB STATUS: Full-time 

CLEARANCE: DoD Secret Clearance 

TRAVEL: 10% 

Astrion is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support spacecraft engineering, satellite operations, and ground system development for the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base. 

This role is ideal for junior- to mid-level engineers with experience in Orbital Mechanics, spacecraft systems engineering, satellite operations, and the spacecraft development lifecycle. The engineer will support mission planning, spacecraft development activities, and on-orbit mission operations for small satellite programs. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS 

Education: 

Bachelor of Science in one of the following or a related technical field: 

• Aerospace Engineering 

• Electrical Engineering 

• Mechanical Engineering 

Experience: 

• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python) 

• Experience with spacecraft orbital simulation software (e.g., Systems Tool Kit (STK), FreeFlyer) 

• Experience with spacecraft development or satellite operations 

• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and interfaces including power, communications, command and data handling, and attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) 

Core Competencies: 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

• Ability to work independently and execute technical tasking 

• Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders 

• Ability to lead technical discussions and coordinate engineering activities 

• Strong technical documentation and organizational skills 

• Ability to develop well-documented analysis scripts and technical tools 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS 

• Professional experience in a space systems engineering or spacecraft operations role 

• Experience supporting spacecraft mission planning or on-orbit operations 

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Execute technical tasking from government engineers and program managers 

• Support spacecraft systems engineering activities including requirements management, risk tracking, architecture trades, and orbit analysis 

• Support on-orbit spacecraft operations and mission experiments 

• Serve as mission manager or technical lead for small satellite missions when assigned 

• Support the design, development, integration, and testing of spacecraft subsystems and ground systems 

• Produce engineering documentation, reports, and analysis supporting mission development and operations 

• Identify technical risks and support development of mitigation strategies 

• Support spacecraft mission planning and experiment execution 

#CJ