Systems Engineer, Space Emerging Talent
The Systems Engineer, Space Emerging Talent at Confidential Client will support the design, development, testing, and integration of next-generation spacecraft and ground systems, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to translate mission objectives into engineering requirements. This early-career role offers broad exposure across the space program lifecycle, including system trade studies, interface definition, environmental testing, and launch integration, within an agile and innovative environment focused on space domain awareness and control for defense applications.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
About the Role
Confidential Client is seeking an Early-Career Systems Engineer (Space) to join a growing space engineering team in Costa Mesa, CA. This role sits at the intersection of hardware, software, and mission operations and offers hands-on exposure to the full spacecraft lifecycle — from requirements and trade studies through environmental test, integration, and launch support.
What You’ll Do
- Support the breakdown and traceability of mission needs into system requirements, subsystem specifications, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
- Conduct mission- and system-level trade studies (mass, power, link budget, delta-V, thermal margins) to inform design choices that balance risk, schedule, and performance.
- Help prepare technical data packages, analysis deliverables, and presentation materials for design reviews and program milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
- Coordinate with test and assembly teams to plan and execute functional checkouts, environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC), and acceptance testing per industry standards (e.g., GEVS).
- Collaborate across flight software, GNC, payload, electrical, and ground C2 teams to resolve technical discrepancies and ensure hardware/software integration.
- Maintain system budgets (mass, power, data, RF link), risk registers, and verification matrices throughout development.
Required Qualifications
- Pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
- 0–2 years of relevant professional experience, internships, or hands-on university project team work (e.g., CubeSat teams, rocketry clubs, high-altitude balloon projects).
- Baseline understanding of spacecraft subsystems (structures, thermal, power, avionics, GNC, communications, payloads) and subsystem interactions.
- Familiarity with systems engineering lifecycle, requirements definition, and trade-study methodologies.
- Proficiency with modeling/analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, Excel, or CAD.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to summarize technical findings clearly for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience integrating or testing small satellites, payloads, or autonomous robotic systems.
- Familiarity with spacecraft environmental testing standards (e.g., SMC-S-016 / MIL-STD-1540, NASA GEVS).
- Exposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools or concepts (e.g., SysML, Cameo).
- Experience with hardware-software integration, lab test equipment, and FlatSat environments.
Compensation & Benefits
- US Salary Range: $99,000 - $130,000 USD (base salary estimate; actual offers vary based on experience, education, skills, and other factors).
- Competitive total compensation packages may include equity and additional benefits for full-time roles.
- Confidential Client provides comprehensive benefits for eligible employees (health, recovery, retirement, etc.). Specifics will be shared during the interview process.
Team & Culture
Confidential Client’s space engineering team focuses on mission-driven solutions that integrate hardware and software to meet operational objectives. The team values rapid iteration, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and hands-on learning — a strong fit for early-career engineers who want broad technical exposure and fast-paced program experience.
Security, Data & Candidate Protections
- Confidential Client will never ask candidates to pay money or provide sensitive financial information as part of recruitment.
- Legitimate recruiter communications will come from official company domains or clearly identified agency partners. Exercise caution with unsolicited messages that request unusual information.
- By applying, you acknowledge that pre-employment checks (risk, integrity, and due diligence screening) may be performed by third-party providers in compliance with applicable laws.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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