GPS IIIF - Space Vehicle Systems Engineer
About The Position
Stellar Solutions is seeking a Space Vehicle Systems Engineer to support the U.S. Space Force’s GPS III Follow-On (GPS IIIF) program. The role supports the Government team in overseeing technical development, integration, verification, and testing of GPS IIIF spacecraft and associated subsystems. Working with Government stakeholders and contractor engineering teams, the engineer assesses system performance and technical progress, identifies integration risks, and supports acquisition and engineering milestones. The position requires spacecraft engineering knowledge, sound technical judgment, and the ability to turn complex engineering information into actionable insights that support program execution and mission readiness. The successful candidate will help the Government assess spacecraft technical integrity, integration readiness, and performance as GPS IIIF spacecraft progress toward delivery and operational capability. Work may include engineering assessments, technical reports, test evaluations, program reviews, risk analyses, briefings, and other Government-directed products prepared using approved systems, processes, and applicable program guidance. The position is located in El Segundo, California. A hybrid or remote work style may be considered. The typical annual salary range is USD $115,000–$145,000, with individual pay determined by factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The role is eligible for an annual performance bonus, employer-funded Profit-Sharing Plan contribution based on base compensation, employer-paid medical benefits, PTO pay-out options, and additional company-sponsored benefits. The posting states these benefits represent an additional 30–40% of base compensation for a total compensation package.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science.
- At least 4 years of experience in satellite systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing.
- Experience supporting development, integration, and testing of multiple spacecraft subsystems and components, including structures, mechanisms, electrical power, attitude control, thermal, propulsion, communications, or command systems.
- Experience with space system and DoD program reviews, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, FCA, or PCA.
- Experience using collaboration tools such as Confluence or Jira.
- Experience analyzing subsystem and program-level integrated master schedules (IMS) and contractor earned value management (EVM) data.
- Experience with spacecraft-level testing, including system performance testing, TVAC, acoustic, or EMI/EMC testing.
- Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively and establish collaborative working relationships with Government customers and contractor teammates.
- Active Secret security clearance required.
- Strong work ethic, motivation, and commitment to supporting the DoD mission.
Nice To Haves
- At least 7 years of experience in space vehicle systems engineering, planning, integration, and testing.
- Experience performing multiple systems engineering and program management functions across the spacecraft development lifecycle.
- Experience conducting or supporting requirements verification activities.
- Knowledge of the DoD acquisition lifecycle, major acquisition milestones, and applicable systems engineering, testing, and production policies, standards, and practices.
- Knowledge of GPS space, ground, or user segments and their roles within the broader GPS enterprise.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary technical and program organizations.
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science.
- Project Management Professional (PMP), Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP), Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), or Object Management Group Certified Systems Modeling Professional (OCSMP) certification.
- Top Secret security clearance.
Responsibilities
- Support systems engineering activities throughout the spacecraft development, integration, verification, and test lifecycle.
- Evaluate the design, development, and integration of spacecraft subsystems, including structures, mechanisms, electrical power, attitude control, thermal, propulsion, communications, and command systems.
- Assess spacecraft technical performance, subsystem interfaces, and system-level integration to identify risks, issues, and impacts to program objectives.
- Support major space system and DoD program reviews, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, FCA, and PCA, as applicable.
- Review engineering documentation, technical analyses, and contractor-provided data to support informed Government decisions.
- Evaluate spacecraft integration and test planning, including system performance, thermal vacuum (TVAC), acoustic, and electromagnetic interference and compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing.
- Analyze subsystem and program-level integrated master schedules (IMS) and earned value management (EVM) data to assess technical progress, schedule performance, and emerging program risks.
- Support requirements analysis, verification activities, and assessment of system compliance with technical and mission objectives.
- Collaborate with Government customers, contractor engineering teams, and multidisciplinary stakeholders to resolve technical issues and maintain alignment across engineering activities.
- Use Confluence and Jira to support technical coordination, issue tracking, and program execution.
- Develop and communicate engineering assessments, technical findings, and recommendations to help the Government maintain confidence in spacecraft development and mission readiness.
Benefits
- Annual performance bonus.
- Employer-funded Profit-Sharing Plan (PSP) contribution based on base compensation.
- Comprehensive employer-paid medical benefits.
- PTO pay-out options.
- Additional company-sponsored benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
