Senior Systems Engineer & Program Manager

Apex Tk•Huntsville, AL

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

APEX TK is seeking an exceptionally talented and mission-driven Senior Systems Engineer & Program Manager to join our team in direct support of NASA’s Technology Maturation effort for a cutting-edge space-based program. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of space systems from the ground up — advancing technologies from early concept through flight demonstration. In this senior role, you will serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME) and programmatic leader, guiding a multidisciplinary team across all phases of space system design, development, and maturation while interfacing directly with NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline with 15+ years of progressive experience in space systems development and program management.
Demonstrated, hands-on experience leading systems engineering and technology maturation activities for space-based programs from early TRL through flight demonstration.
Deep technical expertise across multiple space system domains including sensors/payloads, propulsion systems, GNC, RF/communications, and software-intensive systems.
Proven experience planning and leading design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and milestone reviews (KDP, technology readiness assessments).
Strong background in developing and executing system-level test plans, including ground test campaigns, integration & test (I&T), and flight test support.
Active Secret clearance required.
Ability to work primarily onsite at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huntsville, AL, with hybrid flexibility on a case-by-case basis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex technical information clearly to leadership, review boards, and cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field.
Experience developing and managing technology roadmaps for space-based programs.
Background in model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools (e.g., Cameo, Rhapsody, or equivalent).
Familiarity with project management processes including Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) development and milestone-driven program management.
Experience supporting or leading flight test campaigns and technology demonstration programs, including test readiness reviews.
Technical familiarity with space-qualified hardware development, environmental test requirements (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC), and qualification/acceptance test flows.
Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the full technology maturation lifecycle for assigned space systems, driving TRL advancement from early-stage concept through flight demonstration milestones.
Review key program documentation including Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMPs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Test & Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs), and technology assessment reports.
Support and lead flight testing and technology demonstration activities, including test readiness reviews, real-time test support, and post-test data analysis and reporting.
Coordinate cross-functional engineering teams and subcontractors to ensure integrated system designs meet performance, schedule, and cost objectives.
Identify, assess, and mitigate technical and programmatic risks, maintaining robust risk registers and executing effective mitigation plans in coordination with NASA counterparts.
Provide hands-on systems engineering expertise across key technology domains including sensors, propulsion, Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC), communications, and embedded software development.
Serve as the primary technical interface to NASA/MSFC for all engineering and programmatic activities, providing regular status, risk assessments, and technical recommendations to senior leadership.
Develop and oversee system test plans and test execution strategies for ground and flight test campaigns, ensuring traceability to system requirements and TRL advancement criteria.
Plan, coordinate, and lead formal design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and technology assessment milestone reviews in accordance with NASA standards and program requirements.
Develop, maintain, and execute comprehensive technology roadmaps aligned with NASA program objectives, milestones, and technical performance measures.