Systems Engineer Senior - Avionics & Payloads

York Space Systems•Greenwood Village, CO

About The Position

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next- generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York’s complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York’s existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We’re looking to expand our team across the board. We are seeking highly motivated engineers across experience levels to support integration, verification, and operation of advanced spacecraft payloads, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems, radar sensors, and radio frequency (RF) communication and sensing payloads. This role is designed for individuals who have strong technical fundamentals, high ownership mentality, and the ability to quickly learn and apply new concepts across complex, multi-domain space systems. You will work across hardware, software, and network interfaces to bring diverse payload capabilities from development through test and into operational use. This role is best suited for individuals who prefer ownership and fast-paced execution over narrowly defined responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
2–10 years of relevant experience (internships, research, or project work acceptable)
Strong engineering fundamentals in at least one of the following areas: EO/IR sensor systems, focal plane arrays, or optical systems; Radar systems, signal processing, or RF sensing; RF communications, link analysis, or antenna systems; Networking or distributed systems; Embedded systems or low-level software
Demonstrated ability to learn new technical domains quickly and independently
Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to engage with ambiguous or incomplete information
Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly in both written and verbal formats
Initiative to take ownership of tasks and follow through to completion
Willingness and eligibility to obtain US security clearance

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with payload integration, sensor characterization, lab testing, or debugging of complex hardware/software systems
Exposure to EO/IR camera systems including focal plane checkout, thermal management, or image quality verification
Familiarity with radar system concepts such as SAR/ISAR processing, waveform design, pulse timing, or clutter environments
Experience with RF systems including antenna testing, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, or software-defined radio (SDR) platforms
Exposure to hardware/software interaction, real-time systems, or data acquisition pipelines
Experience working on team-based engineering projects with defined deliverables and formal review gates
Familiarity with basic scripting or automation tools (e.g., Python, Bash) for test automation or data analysis
Interest in space systems, remote sensing, communications, or mission operations

Responsibilities

Support integration and test of spacecraft payload systems across a range of sensor and communication domains, including EO/IR imaging, radar, and RF payloads, in both space and ground environments
Assist in developing and executing verification plans to demonstrate compliance with system, mission, and payload-specific requirements
Author and maintain technical documentation including test procedures, interface control documents, test reports, and verification records
Participate in system-level test events such as flat-sat, hardware-in-the-loop, sensor characterization, and operational validation. Includes detailed electronics debugging and test setup architecture
Work closely with cross-functional teams including supply chain, systems engineering, and chief engineering to resolve integration issues and maintain schedule
Coordinate with external vendors and suppliers to track technical progress, manage interface risks, and resolve compatibility issues
Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis during integration and test activities across hardware, firmware, and software layers
Contribute to mission operations planning and support early on-orbit payload commissioning activities, including initial sensor characterization and calibration
Learn and apply relevant domain knowledge including imaging system performance parameters, radar signal processing fundamentals, communication protocols, timing architectures, and spacecraft interface standards as needed