IT Systems Engineer

Orchard • Palo Alto, CA

1d • $143,000 - $238,000

About The Position

@Orchard LLC is recruiting a Sr. IT Systems Engineer on behalf of a client in the aerospace and space infrastructure industry. The client builds spacecraft, connects networks, and operates infrastructure-as-a-service for commercial, civil, and national security customers. The position may be based in Palo Alto, California; Houston, Texas; San Jose, California; or remotely within the United States.

The engineer will develop, configure, integrate, maintain, and support software and systems used in satellite testing and spacecraft operations. Responsibilities span recurring program deliveries, periodic maintenance, around-the-clock support during major test campaigns, and development of new test environments and solutions. The role requires supporting integrated hardware and software systems in time-sensitive conditions.

The California base pay range is $143,000 to $238,000 annually. Starting pay depends on job-related factors, including experience, qualifications, skills, work location, and market conditions. The position is incentive-eligible; the plan and target depend on the role and breadth of contributions. Eligible employees receive paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and a 401(k).

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Bachelor’s degree, or four additional years of work experience in place of a degree.
• At least 8 years of related work experience.
• Experience with Linux systems administration and software development supporting hardware test environments.
• Experience with Windows and Active Directory integration.
• Experience with local firewall configurations and advanced network troubleshooting.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex, integrated hardware/software systems under time-sensitive conditions.
• Ability to provide critical, around-the-clock support during major test campaigns, including TVAC, acoustics, vibration, and launch base operations.
• Familiarity with version control and documentation/release management practices.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with telemetry systems, remote control interfaces, and test database management.
• Experience with Python and legacy tools, such as Java Webstart-based applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and configure test rack software for each satellite build.
• Develop and maintain console software packages for satellite builds.
• Integrate in-house telemetry software for telemetry storage.
• Set up interfaces for remote control operations.
• Provide integration and qualification support throughout test phases.
• Support documentation and release management processes.
• Deliver implementation work at an estimated pace of approximately 24 hours per developer per implementation, or approximately 2 hours per rack.
• Perform telemetry software updates with one week of advance notice.
• Execute frequent database updates during application, integration, and test phases.
• Manage spacecraft analysis software viewing permissions and test databases.
• Maintain Test Conductor Computers (TCC), approximately 2–3 days per month.
• Troubleshoot Python-based tools.
• Provide 24/7 support coverage during thermal vacuum, antenna, launch base, acoustics, and vibration testing campaigns.
• Lead design work for new programs and test environments.
• Develop new test measurement and rack software solutions.
• Adapt existing code to meet evolving program requirements.
• Support requirements gathering and participate in design reviews.
• Architect infrastructure to accommodate new system architecture roadmaps.

Benefits

• Paid time off for eligible employees.
• Health and welfare insurance for eligible employees.
• 401(k) for eligible employees.
• Incentive-eligible compensation, with a target based on contribution, company performance, and/or individual results achieved.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior