Space Systems Engineer

Array Labs•Redwood City, CA

20h

About The Position

We’re seeking an experienced Space Systems Engineer to join our team as we move from prototypes into proliferated systems. You’ll have the opportunity to influence every aspect of the design – from radar payloads to mass-manufactured formation flying radar satellites – delivering cutting-edge solutions for dozens of critical mission sets. You’ll bring rigorous first-principles engineering judgement to problems spanning the entire system. We value rapid testing and iteration over protracted analysis and formal verification: you’ll own the interface rather than updating the document. You will be at the center of how we design, build, and test our systems from early concepts through on-orbit operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
3+ years of experience in spacecraft or complex aerospace systems engineering
Experience working with and delivering space flight hardware
Demonstrated experience owning system-level requirements and interface definitions
Strong understanding of spacecraft and payload subsystems
Familiarity with radar or RF payload systems
Experience supporting hardware integration and test campaigns
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both internal teams and external technical stakeholders
Ability to work in a fast-paced, resource-constrained startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy

Nice To Haves

Experience on console operating spacecraft in LEO
Experience with serial manufacturing and/or operation of spacecraft (at LEO constellation or fleet management scale)
Familiarity with spacecraft system-level fault and reliability analysis (fishbones, FDIR, fault tolerance, root cause)
Familiarity with software development or extensive scripting in python
Experience with SAR instruments, or earth imaging sensors
Expertise in the development of at least one spacecraft subsystem (e.g., Power, Comms, GN&C, Mechanical, Electrical)
Prior vendor management or customer-facing technical interface experience in an aerospace or defense context
Working knowledge of link budgets and radar range equations
Experience with orbital analysis and mission modeling tools (e.g., STK, FreeFlyer, or equivalent)
Background in EO/SAR mission planning or ground segment operations
Familiarity with U.S. commercial remote sensing regulations (NOAA), FCC spectrum licensing processes, and export control frameworks (EAR/ITAR)

Responsibilities

Shape and own interfaces across mechanical, electrical, RF, and data domains
Lead system design reviews and support program-level technical reviews across the product lifecycle
Work with domain experts to create functional and environmental test strategies to validate spacecraft and subsystem performance early in the design lifecycle
Own, model, and monitor system budgets including power, heat, data, pointing, momentum
Document and communicate component-level specifications to clarify performance thresholds and ensure system performance
Manage technical relationships with hardware suppliers and customers, ensuring clear interface ownership throughout
Drive trade studies and future architectures including component selection, parameter sweeps, and performance modeling
Guide radar payload customer conversations from concept studies through delivery
Provide technical support for regulatory filings (NOAA, FCC, and EAR/ITAR)
Develop and maintain risk mitigation strategies; support non-conformance and issue tracking for spacecraft hardware