Lead Systems Engineer

Astrobotic Technology Inc

  • Mojave, CA
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Astrobotic is at the forefront of advancing space exploration and technology development. Our expertise spans from lunar rovers, landers, and infrastructure to spacecraft navigation, machine vision, and computing systems for in-space robotic applications. To date, the company has been contracted for two lunar missions, and has won more than 60 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense (DoD), and commercial technology contracts worth more than $600 million.We recently launched and operated the first American lunar lander mission since the Apollo Program. Beyond helping lead America back to the Moon, Astrobotic developed and operates reusable vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) rockets and continues to advance next-generation VTVL capabilities and advanced rocket engines. Established in 2007, Astrobotic is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with a propulsion and test campus in Mojave, CA.The Systems Engineering group fosters a collaborative working environment where each member of the team has a high degree of freedom, responsibility, and expectations. We serve as the backbone of Astrobotic's mission to make space accessible to the world and are responsible for managing the system lifecycle of Astrobotic systems, from concept through design, testing, production, and flight. The Systems Engineering group consists of highly skilled engineers working across multiple disciplines to ensure that every component, subsystem, and interface meets the required standards for safety, performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Systems Engineer to head our Xodiac vehicle programs at the Mojave Air and Spaceport. Applicants with a strong work ethic and demonstrated ability to learn on the job are encouraged to apply.Job Responsibilities:
  • Guiding the detailed technical design, development, and testing for advanced hardware and software solutions for propulsion systems and vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) vehicles including the concept of operations, mission and system requirements, design configuration, technical budgets, launch vehicle requirements, fault management, interface control, V&V and test planning, and technical risk and mitigation plan identification, through the entire life cycle of the program
  • Deriving and managing system requirements, interface definitions, system margin philosophies, configuration management systems, V&V procedures, qualification plans, integration plans, failure modes and effects analyses, and technical risk management and mitigation plans
  • Working side-by-side with the engineering team and key customers to design, develop, and build systems that meet mission objectives and top-level requirements
  • Leads the resolution of complex technical issues and provides solutions to problems encountered during system development and operation.
  • Performing conceptual, preliminary, and detailed system architecture design and performing configuration trade studies
  • Provide technical guidance and direction to the system and subsystem engineering teams.
  • Mentors and guides other engineers, fostering their technical and leadership development.
  • Hands-on support of system integration and testing
  • Preparing and delivering technical documentation and reporting
  • Leading technical presentations and/or demonstrations during concept development and engineering development phases
  • Communicating with multiple engineering disciplines to resolve technical risks and challenges
  • Assisting with technical proposals for mission and technology development opportunities
  • Communicating with partners and customers to resolve technical risks and challenges relating to the system and/or customer requirements
Required Skills & Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience in multiple (not all) of the following areas: liquid propellant rocket systems, propulsion systems, avionics or electronics systems, software engineering and development, embedded systems engineering, systems engineering, systems integration and test, verification and validation, and/or system configuration management
  • Demonstrated experience as the technical lead implementing the full life cycle of design, development, manufacturing, testing, and operations. Must be able to demonstrate hands-on hardware experience.
  • Ability to work autonomously, learn on the fly, and take initiative in a fast-paced environment
  • The ability to analyze complex technical problems, develop solutions, and troubleshoot issues is vital.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated experience interfacing with internal and external organizations.
  • B.S. in Engineering or related technical field plus 10 years of relevant space mission experience (at least 3 years in a leadership role). Relevant advanced degree will be considered in lieu of equivalent experience.
Desired Skills & Qualifications:
  • Experience developing liquid propellant rocket propulsion systems, from feasibility studies through flight and mission operations.
  • Experience managing complex projects, including planning, execution, and delivery.
  • Experience with system design, architecture, concepts of operation, software, and GNC
  • Knowledge of system manufacturing and V&V plans for propulsion systems
  • Demonstrated experience developing process plans in support of development, manufacturing, or operations.
  • Demonstrated experience operating in an AS9100 or ISO9000 environment.
  • Demonstrated experience working in an agile environment, using organizational tools such as Confluence and Jira.
  • Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities.
  • Experience with requirements management tools such as Jama.
  • Familiarity with 14 CFR Part 450, AFSPCMAN 91-710, and/or ARP4761
  • Familiarity with structural engineering.
  • Knowledgeable of system V&V planning.
  • Knowledgeable of reliability engineering and analysis.
  • Knowledgeable of range safety compliance.
SalaryThe base salary range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for this position. The actual base salary offered for this position will depend on numerous factors including individual performance, business objectives, and the candidates professional experience. Base salary is just one component of Astrobotic's competitive total rewards strategy.Benefits:Benefits include Medical, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, voluntary life insurance, FSA Plans, 401k and open PTO.Export Control Regulations:To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. person which includes U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) including those individuals granted refugee or asylum status, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.Equal Employment Opportunity:Astrobotic Technology, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation:If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to .

Astrobotic Technology Inc