Payload Systems Engineers (Mid-Level) - (PSE101426)

Cimarron•Seal Beach, CA

25d•Onsite

About The Position

Cimarron is seeking a Mid-Level Payload Systems Engineer for a program in Seal Beach, California. The role contributes to the development of first-of-kind space vehicles, ground systems, and missions. Programs support a range of predominantly classified platforms and technologies. The engineer will work with system architects, Concept of Operations developers, fault and autonomy designers, and teams across systems, hardware, software, power, payload, thermal, communications, and test engineering. The work involves aggressive development timelines and solving previously unsolved problems in minimally defined design spaces. The position serves as technical project manager for subcontracted development and sustainment efforts, overseeing technical scope, planning, proposals, cost estimates, schedules, and execution. It also supports the Payload Integrated Product Team in defining capability roadmaps, value statements, and implementation plans; provides support for on-orbit systems; makes technical decisions within assigned products; and presents review packages to senior leadership. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold an active Top Secret clearance, and meet federal facility access requirements, including having a valid, unexpired Real ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued identification card at hire. The role requires a pre-employment background check and drug screening, including testing for marijuana use. Cimarron describes itself as a global solutions company focused on customer-driven requirements and recognizes employees through company communications and an awards program. It offers competitive salaries and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) contributions, and educational reimbursement.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship due to facility security requirements.
Ability to complete a pre-employment background check and drug screening, including testing for marijuana use.
Valid, unexpired Real ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued identification card at the time of hire.
Active Top Secret security clearance.
At least 5 years of related work experience.
At least 1 year of experience leading projects, teams, or products.
Proficiency in authoring Interface Control Documents (ICDs), specifications, and Statements of Work (SoW).
Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an accredited school; a technical master's degree counts for 2 years of experience and a technical Ph.D. counts for 4 years.

Nice To Haves

Active TS/SCI clearance.
At least 9 years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Expertise in one or more space payload technologies, such as RF communication, laser communication, PNT, or remote sensing.
Experience working directly with government customers on large-scale space programs.
Experience in spacecraft, launch vehicles, or highly autonomous unmanned systems.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical project manager for subcontracted development and sustainment efforts.
Manage technical project scope, planning, proposals, cost estimates, and schedules, and drive execution.
Identify, track, and update key subsystem technical performance metrics.
Work with the Payload Integrated Product Team to define capability roadmaps, value statements, and implementation plans.
Coordinate with subject matter experts and external stakeholders to provide real-time support for on-orbit systems, including investigation and resolution of anomalies.
Act as the authority and decision maker for technical trades, design decisions, noncompliance disposition, and failure resolution within assigned products.
Develop and present review packages to internal and external senior leadership.
Work proactively and independently in a fast-paced, demanding atmosphere.