Senior Systems Engineer

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSenior Systems EngineerLocation:Gravitics– Seattle WA, Colorado, (with future travel/support to other company locations asrequired) Department:Engineering Reports To:Head of EngineeringAboutGravitics AtGravitics,we'renot exploring space-we'rebuilding it.We'recreating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth. Our vision is bold, butwe'renot just dreamers;we'redoers. We design and manufacture large-scale orbital structures that enable commercial operations while meeting the requirements of defense and government missions. Our systems are built to scale and built to last—bridging commercial innovation with mission-critical performance. Ifyou'reready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute to a future where humanity's reach extends farther,Graviticsis the place for you.Let'sbuild the future together. About the RoleWe areseekinga highly capable Systems Engineer to support technical execution of the commercial spacecraft program from architecture development through qualification, integration, test, launch, and mission operations. This role sits at the center of the program and works directly with Chief Engineers, subsystem leads, Program Management, Manufacturing, Integration & Test, Mission Assurance, and suppliers to ensure the spacecraft functions as an integrated system — not just a collection of subsystems. The ideal candidate is technically broad, execution-focused, comfortable in ambiguity, and able to balance engineering rigor with program realities including schedule, manufacturability, integration flow, and risk. This position will support development of human-rated spacecraft systems and therefore requires strong systems thinking, configuration discipline, verification planning, and cross-functional leadership.ResponsibilitiesSupport development and management of spacecraft system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and verification approaches for the programTranslate mission and programobjectivesinto clear subsystem and vehicle-level technical requirementsDevelop andmaintainsystem specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), CONOPS, verification matrices, and technical baselinesDrive technical integration across: Structures and mechanismsPressure systemsPropulsion systemsAvionics and softwareThermal systemsECLSS / crew environment considerationsDocking and payload interfacesGround systems and GSESupport program technical reviews including: SRRPDRCDRTRRFRRCoordinate system-level trades balancing: PerformanceMassSafetyReliabilityManufacturabilityTestabilitySchedule and cost impactsWork closely with Manufacturing and Integration & Test teams to ensure designs are producible, inspectable, and verifiableSupport development of system verification and validation plans including qualification, acceptance,protoflight, and integrated vehicle testingParticipate in anomaly resolution, failure investigations, and risk reduction activitiesSupport hazard analysis, FMEA/FDIR activities, and human-rating related assessmentsEnsure configuration control and technical baseline integrity throughout the program lifecycleInterface with customers, suppliers, and partner organizations asrequiredHelp drive closure of technical issues rather than simply tracking themRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline5+ years of experience in aerospace systems engineering or integrated vehicle developmentExperience working on spacecraft, launch vehicle, aviation, defense, or other complex multidisciplinary systemsStrong understanding of systems engineering processes including:Requirements developmentInterface managementVerification and validationConfiguration managementTechnical risk managementExperience supporting technical reviews and hardware development programsAbility tooperateacross multiple engineering disciplines and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholdersComfortable working in a fast-paced development environment with evolving prioritiesPreferred QualificationsExperience with human-rated spacecraft or crewed systemsExperience supporting pressure vessels, propulsion systems, docking systems, or orbital vehicle integrationFamiliarity with NASA standards and spaceflight development processesExperience with MBSE tools, requirements management tools, or digital engineering environmentsHands-on integration, test, manufacturing, or operations experienceExperience supporting qualification and environmental test campaignsFamiliarity with spaceflight safety and mission assurance processesWhat Success Looks LikeTechnical issues areidentifiedearly and driven to closureVehicle interfaces are clearly defined and controlledSubsystems integrate cleanly into a functioning spacecraftVerification activities are planned before hardware arrives at testEngineering decisions consider program execution realities, not just ideal technical solutionsThe program moves forward with increasing technical maturity and reduced integration riskCompensation and BenefitsYour level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the considerations of job-related knowledge and skills, education, and direct experience. Salary is just one component of the total employee package, which also includes company equity at an exciting time of company growth, as well as comprehensive medical, 401(k) retirement plan, a generous PTO policy, employee discounts, and more.About ComplianceTo conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Gravitics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Salary Range $140,000—$170,000 USD