Senior Space Systems Engineer

Katalyst Description: We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain. Katalyst Culture: Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. Overview As a Senior Space Systems Engineer, you’ll play a key role in developing cohesive system architectures and ensuring the effective integration of spacecraft subsystems to meet mission objectives. This position is a Senior Space Systems Engineering role, focused on the engineering of space systems, rather than a systems engineer for space. We’re looking for someone with a deep understanding of how complex subsystems interact and impact overall system performance. What You’ll Do Oversee and perform system-wide architecture design, ensuring subsystems function cohesively and meet overarching system goals Lead detailed technical efforts and spearhead trade studies of space system architectures Identify and address gaps between requirements and top-level objectives, constraining broad problems and decomposing them into actionable tasks to implement solutions Support the sourcing and selection of key suppliers, components, and technologies Integrate spacecraft components, ensuring cohesive system functionality and compatibility across all subsystems Define Key Performance Parameters, select quantifiable metrics, and determine modeling approaches to directly address and answer key design questions in physics-based modeling and simulation efforts Lead small multi-discipline teams on spacecraft design, space mission design, and R&D projects Assist proposal capture efforts, including private/public, DoD, OGA, and other commercial partnerships Conduct comprehensive system analyses, including risk assessments, reliability analyses, and trade studies to optimize system performance Participate in design reviews, ensuring that designs meet mission requirements, are feasible, and incorporate best practices Support hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate integrated system performance in simulated operational environments Provide technical guidance to junior engineers Your Ideal Background Required Bachelor’s degree in a technical engineering discipline 5+ years of experience working on satellite systems with direct involvement in flight programs and the entire Validation and Verification chain Ability to define and lay out solutions to ambiguous problems Strong written and verbal communication skills Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction Expertise in the space environment, commercial space operations, and/or robotics Preferred Direct involvement in flight operations or launch campaign Hardware Validation and Verification experience Proficiency with Python, Matlab, STK, Ansys, and/or JAMA Experience in orbital mechanics / astrodynamics Experience in Space Domain Awareness, RPOD, or Robotics Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 annually. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off. At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.