Missions Systems Engineer

Relative Dynamics•Chantilly, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At Relative Dynamics, a company founded in 2011, the goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering models, services, and technology development. Relative Dynamics is seeking a Mission Systems Engineer to support a commercial customer at their Chantilly, VA location. This role involves analyzing complex system and performance requirements, developing functional performance requirements, and strategically allocating them to system elements for optimized overall system performance. The engineer will provide expert advice and support throughout the entire project life cycle, from initial concept development and design through procurement, fabrication, assembly, integration, launch, and sustained operation. Key responsibilities include managing interface control documentation, planning and overseeing integration and testing, and identifying and resolving complex technical problems across all project phases. The position also requires supporting critical milestones like Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR), developing technical reports, serving as a team lead and subject matter expert, conducting technology assessments, and providing technical consultation to leadership. Furthermore, the role involves providing technical direction for system definitions, coordinating engineering activities across disciplines, and mentoring cross-functional teams to ensure technical excellence and mission success.

Requirements

Ability to obtain Secret level clearance (US citizenship required)
Strong technical background in mechanical, electrical, and/or software engineering with demonstrated leadership in one or more disciplines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality documentation and effectively interface with customers, support personnel, and management
Advanced ability to recognize complex technical and programmatic issues and develop effective solutions or recovery plans to ensure mission success
Creative, methodical thinker with strong analytical and documentation skills
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, coordinate engineering activities, and collaborate with stakeholders at all organizational levels
Skilled at managing multiple priorities simultaneously and transitioning between tasks efficiently
Strong conflict management and diplomacy skills within a team environment
Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or related field
15+ years of experience in spacecraft or space/ground system design and development, including 8+ years of aerospace system performance analysis
Proven experience as a lead engineer, providing technical direction, coordinating engineering activities, and leading teams to resolve complex programmatic and technical problems
Experience providing expert advice and support across the full mission life cycle
Experience supporting critical project milestones such as Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and providing technical consultation on design issues

Responsibilities

Analyze complex system and performance requirements, develop functional performance requirements, and strategically allocate those requirements to the appropriate system elements to ensure optimized overall system performance.
Provide expert advice and support throughout the entire project life cycle, from initial concept development and design through procurement, fabrication, assembly, integration, launch, and sustained operation, ensuring technical integrity at every stage.
Manage interface control documentation and processes during development and maintenance activities while planning and overseeing the integration and testing necessary to verify and validate that all system requirements are fully realized.
Identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical problems across all project phases, including leading investigations into programmatic or task-level issues, performing root cause analyses, and recommending effective recovery plans to keep programs on track.
Support and review critical milestones such as Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR), while developing and maintaining comprehensive technical reports and documentation to communicate program status and outcomes to stakeholders.
Serve as team lead and subject matter expert, conducting rigorous technology assessments and providing clear, actionable technical consultation to managers and leadership regarding design trade-offs and test result assessments to inform sound decision-making.
Provide technical direction for system definitions, coordinate engineering activities across disciplines, and mentor cross-functional teams to sustain technical excellence, drive innovation, meet mission milestones, and achieve program quality objectives.