Senior Systems Engineer

Gravitics•Seattle, WA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

About the Role We are seeking a highly capable Systems Engineer to support technical execution of the commercial spacecraft program from architecture development through qualification, integration, test, launch, and mission operations. This role sits at the center of the program and works directly with Chief Engineers, subsystem leads, Program Management, Manufacturing, Integration & Test, Mission Assurance, and suppliers to ensure the spacecraft functions as an integrated system — not just a collection of subsystems. The ideal candidate is technically broad, execution-focused, comfortable in ambiguity, and able to balance engineering rigor with program realities including schedule, manufacturability, integration flow, and risk. This position will support development of human-rated spacecraft systems and therefore requires strong systems thinking, configuration discipline, verification planning, and cross-functional leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline
5+ years of experience in aerospace systems engineering or integrated vehicle development
Experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicle, aviation, defense, or other complex multidisciplinary systems
Strong understanding of systems engineering processes including: Requirements development, Interface management, Verification and validation, Configuration management, Technical risk management
Experience supporting technical reviews and hardware development programs
Ability to operate across multiple engineering disciplines and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Comfortable working in a fast-paced development environment with evolving priorities

Nice To Haves

Experience with human-rated spacecraft or crewed systems
Experience supporting pressure vessels, propulsion systems, docking systems, or orbital vehicle integration
Familiarity with NASA standards and spaceflight development processes
Experience with MBSE tools, requirements management tools, or digital engineering environments
Hands-on integration, test, manufacturing, or operations experience
Experience supporting qualification and environmental test campaigns
Familiarity with spaceflight safety and mission assurance processes

Responsibilities

Support development and management of spacecraft system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and verification approaches for the program
Translate mission and program objectives into clear subsystem and vehicle-level technical requirements
Develop and maintain system specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), CONOPS, verification matrices, and technical baselines
Drive technical integration across: Structures and mechanisms, Pressure systems, Propulsion systems, Avionics and software, Thermal systems, ECLSS / crew environment considerations, Docking and payload interfaces, Ground systems and GSE
Support program technical reviews including: SRR PDR CDR TRR FRR
Coordinate system-level trades balancing: Performance, Mass, Safety, Reliability, Manufacturability, Testability, Schedule and cost impacts
Work closely with Manufacturing and Integration & Test teams to ensure designs are producible, inspectable, and verifiable
Support development of system verification and validation plans including qualification, acceptance, protoflight, and integrated vehicle testing
Participate in anomaly resolution, failure investigations, and risk reduction activities
Support hazard analysis, FMEA/FDIR activities, and human-rating related assessments
Ensure configuration control and technical baseline integrity throughout the program lifecycle
Interface with customers, suppliers, and partner organizations as required
Help drive closure of technical issues rather than simply tracking them