Senior Systems Engineer

Katalyst Space Technologies•Broomfield, CO

13d•$120,000 - $180,000

About The Position

Katalyst builds robotic spacecraft for dynamic space operations, enabling activities like maneuvering, upgrading, and refueling to become routine. The company focuses on developing foundational capabilities for sustained, responsive space operations, aiming to usher in a new era of space activity that enhances national security and ensures freedom of action in a contested domain. Working at Katalyst is described as intense, hands-on, and rewarding, with opportunities for significant ownership and impact in an environment that tackles hard problems. The culture values humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, fostering collaboration among thoughtful and driven teammates.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
5+ years of experience developing complex aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems.
Demonstrated experience leading system architecture, requirements management, integration, verification, and validation activities for highly integrated hardware/software systems.
Strong technical communication skills with the ability to influence engineers, program leaders, customers, and external stakeholders.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where ownership, initiative, and sound engineering judgment are essential.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, robotic, or other mission-critical aerospace systems through flight qualification and operational deployment.
Proficiency with systems engineering tools and methodologies, including requirements management, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), trade studies, and technical risk management.
Experience leading major design reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR, including customer-facing technical engagements.
Familiarity with autonomy, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), mission operations, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), or on-orbit servicing missions.

Responsibilities

Lead system architecture, requirements development, and technical execution for advanced robotic spacecraft from concept through flight operations.
Own the definition, allocation, and verification of system-level requirements across spacecraft subsystems, software, autonomy, and mission operations.
Drive cross-functional engineering efforts, balancing mission objectives, technical performance, schedule, cost, and risk to deliver successful spacecraft programs.
Develop and maintain system models, interface definitions, trade studies, and technical baselines that guide design decisions throughout the product lifecycle.
Create analyses, trade studies, and simulations to support technical and product development decisions.