Spacecraft and Satellite Configuration Design Engineer (Burbank)

Backed by NASA, DARPA, and Space Force, we are a venture backed, rapidly growing startup with the ultimate goal of asteroid mining through our space platforms. The space industry is a trillion dollar market and there is so much opportunity to further explore deep space. Our world class engineering team has created patented technologies, telescopes, and capture systems that are helping us get towards achieving our ultimate goal. Position OverviewWe are seeking a Spacecraft and Satellite Configuration Design Engineer to define, develop and control the physical and functional configuration of satellite platforms and payloads from formulation through delivery and mission operations. The role will lead configuration design, interface definition, mass and balance control, and integration planning while coordinating structural, thermal, electrical and RF disciplines. The engineer will own configuration baselines, support AIT and environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, shock), and ensure successful launch vehicle integration and mission support.Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and maintain spacecraft and satellite configuration baselines and change control processes throughout formulation, design, AIT and operations phases.Develop, review and release detailed mechanical and electrical configuration design using CAD (Catia, NX, SolidWorks, Creo) and ensure GD&T-compliant technical drawings and Bills of Materials (BOM).Perform or coordinate mass properties, center-of-gravity and balance analyses and maintain mass budgets and margin reports.Coordinate structural and thermal analyses (NASTRAN, ANSYS), tolerance and view-factor analyses, and interpret results to drive design changes with engineering teams.Plan, write and execute environmental test plans and procedures including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock and EMI/EMC/ESD testing; support test campaigns and hardware qualification.Lead harness and wiring design and routing, avionic integration and PCB interface reviews; manage ICDs and electrical interface control to the EPS and data systems.Develop and maintain power budgets (EPS), load analysis and power system interfaces; coordinate attitude determination and control (ADCs) and thruster interfaces where relevant.Integrate RF/communications subsystems and antennas into the spacecraft configuration; support RF performance verification and antenna deployment validation.Design, review and verify deployable mechanisms, separation systems and associated verification testing and acceptance criteria.Own AIT/Assembly integration sequencing, GSE requirements and launch vehicle integration activities; provide technical direction to AIT teams and suppliers.Manage requirements and traceability using tools such as DOORS and Jama; author and maintain interface control documents (ICDs) and configuration documentation.Perform risk analyses, including FMEA/FTA, and contribute to mitigation plans; support configuration and change impact assessments and safety reviews.Support MBSE activities with SysML/model-based engineering tools; develop CAD-to-analysis workflows and scripts (Matlab/Simulink, Python) to automate configuration and mass property updates.Provide mission operations and proximity-operations support as required, assist with anomaly investigations, and produce clear technical reports and documentation for stakeholders.Required Qualifications3+ years of experience supporting the design, development, or integration of spacecraft, satellites, or other highly engineered aerospace systems.Proficiency with 3D CAD tools used for mechanical design and system layout of complex assemblies; experience with SolidWorks, Creo, NX, CATIA, or similar platforms.Strong understanding of multidisciplinary spacecraft integration principles, including thermal, power, communications, attitude control, structures, and propulsion considerations.Experience conducting engineering trade studies and evaluating system-level configuration options to support concept development and vehicle architecture decisions.Ability to perform preliminary engineering assessments such as mass property calculations, power evaluations, geometric analyses, and thermal accommodation studies.Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline.Familiarity with spacecraft thermal design concepts, including radiator placement, solar array accommodation, environmental impacts, and system-level thermal considerations.Understanding of communications hardware integration, including antenna placement, field-of-view requirements, and vehicle accommodation constraints.Knowledge of spacecraft electrical power hardware packaging, including batteries, solar arrays, harness routing, and volume allocation considerations.Experience creating technical visualizations, engineering drawings, configuration layouts, and presentation-ready graphics to communicate design concepts effectively.Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic engineering environment with cross-functional teams and evolving project priorities.Eligibility to work on projects subject to U.S. export control regulations.Ability to work onsite as required.Preferred QualificationsAdvanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.Experience supporting early mission concept development, architecture studies, or Phase A/B spacecraft programs.Background in spacecraft hardware development through design reviews, integration and test activities, requirements management, or operational support.Familiarity with thermal analysis methodologies and tools, including coordination with thermal engineering teams during spacecraft development.Experience with deployable systems, mechanisms, robotics, capture systems, or other moving aerospace hardware.Knowledge of launch vehicle integration constraints, payload accommodations, and mission interface requirements.Experience with mass properties tracking, configuration management, and engineering data control processes.Exposure to advanced space applications such as in-space servicing, resource utilization, orbital logistics, debris mitigation, or deep-space/cislunar missions.Active security clearance, or the ability to obtain one.BenefitsCompetitive Base Salary: $110,000 - $175,000Work with space industry leaders Equity will be meaningful Competitive benefits + high-ownership work on genuinely hard, high-impact space problems