[Hiring] Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer @Benchmark Space Systems

Role Description

Benchmark Space Systems is looking for a Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer to build and lead our new Spacecraft Systems Engineering function. In this role, you will be the first hire on the Spacecraft Systems Engineering team and will define how Benchmark approaches spacecraft-level technical integration. The team serves as the internal technical integration point across spacecraft disciplines, ensuring subsystem designs, interfaces, and budgets close at the vehicle level across both COTS components and in-house developments.

• Own the systems analysis, trades, and documentation that program leadership relies on.
• Program-level technical authority and the customer technical interface rest with program leadership.
• Grow the function into a focused group supporting spacecraft programs from early design through verification and delivery.

This role can be based onsite at our Burlington, VT or Pleasanton, CA offices, or remote for candidates located in the Boulder, CO area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or a closely related field, OR a combination of education and related working experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.
• 8+ years of experience working on space vehicles in a systems engineering or adjacent role, including at least 2 years leading small engineering teams in an aerospace or related environment.
• Experience with holding responsibility for a defined scope on at least one spacecraft program from requirements definition through integration, test, and delivery.
• Experience with deriving requirements, setting verification approaches, and maintaining traceability.
• Experience with space vehicle integration and test flows, typical program phases, and review cycles.
• Experience with integrating COTS or externally supplied components into a flight vehicle.
• Experience with coordinating program management, engineering, operations, and customer needs.

Requirements

• Due to the nature of the work and access to export-controlled information, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. export control laws.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working competency across major spacecraft subsystems (power, avionics, ADCS, comms, thermal, structures, propulsion).
• Working knowledge of space environments and radiation effects sufficient to assess component suitability and drive design decisions.
• Ability, agility, and can-do attitude to work in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and matrixed cross-functional environment.
• Able to collaborate in a multi-team environment to plan and accomplish tasks and meet objectives.
• Effective communication skills to understand, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, technical procedures, or government policy.
• Ability to communicate technical problems and concepts to a range of technical and non-technical audiences.

What makes you stand out

• Experience with leading a spacecraft systems engineering team.
• Holding responsibility for a full spacecraft program from requirements through integration, test, and on-orbit operations.
• Subject matter expertise in at least one spacecraft discipline—electrical, mechanical, or thermal preferred.
• Knowledge of the current commercial space COTS supplier base and typical qualification and documentation practices.
• Understanding of ground station networks and coordination between spacecraft teams and ground network providers.
• Familiarity with spacecraft operator needs and operations concepts.

Benefits

• Health insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).
• Vision & Dental Insurance.
• Company paid life, AD&D, and disability insurances.
• Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible schedule.
• Unlimited vacation.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

While performing duties of this job, the employee is predominantly functioning in a sedentary light office position with high frequency of telephone communication, keyboarding, and computer. The role also includes periodic time in integration and test areas and occasional travel to customer and supplier sites.

Benchmark Space Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at [email protected].