Missions Systems Engineer

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering models services and technology development. Visit us at

Relative Dynamics is seeking a Mission Systems Engineer to support a commercial customer at their Chantilly, VA location.

What You'll Get to Do:

• Analyze complex system and performance requirements, develop functional performance requirements, and strategically allocate those requirements to the appropriate system elements to ensure optimized overall system performance.

• Provide expert advice and support throughout the entire project life cycle, from initial concept development and design through procurement, fabrication, assembly, integration, launch, and sustained operation, ensuring technical integrity at every stage.

• Manage interface control documentation and processes during development and maintenance activities while planning and overseeing the integration and testing necessary to verify and validate that all system requirements are fully realized.

• Identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical problems across all project phases, including leading investigations into programmatic or task-level issues, performing root cause analyses, and recommending effective recovery plans to keep programs on track.

• Support and review critical milestones such as Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR), while developing and maintaining comprehensive technical reports and documentation to communicate program status and outcomes to stakeholders.

• Serve as team lead and subject matter expert, conducting rigorous technology assessments and providing clear, actionable technical consultation to managers and leadership regarding design trade-offs and test result assessments to inform sound decision-making.

• Provide technical direction for system definitions, coordinate engineering activities across disciplines, and mentor cross-functional teams to sustain technical excellence, drive innovation, meet mission milestones, and achieve program quality objectives.

What You'll Need:

Required Skills

• Ability to obtain Secret level clearance (US citizenship required)

• Strong technical background in mechanical, electrical, and/or software engineering with demonstrated leadership in one or more disciplines

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality documentation and effectively interface with customers, support personnel, and management

• Advanced ability to recognize complex technical and programmatic issues and develop effective solutions or recovery plans to ensure mission success

• Creative, methodical thinker with strong analytical and documentation skills

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, coordinate engineering activities, and collaborate with stakeholders at all organizational levels

• Skilled at managing multiple priorities simultaneously and transitioning between tasks efficiently

• Strong conflict management and diplomacy skills within a team environment

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail

Required Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or related field

• 15+ years of experience in spacecraft or space/ground system design and development, including 8+ years of aerospace system performance analysis

• Proven experience as a lead engineer, providing technical direction, coordinating engineering activities, and leading teams to resolve complex programmatic and technical problems

• Experience providing expert advice and support across the full mission life cycle

• Experience supporting critical project milestones such as Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and providing technical consultation on design issues

What You Won't Do:

• Feel stuck as we offer great opportunities to advance and learn

• Feel like a number as we're a close-knit bunch and always have each other's backs

Who You Are:

• A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment

• A quick learner who is always ready to gain depth of knowledge

• A reliable worker who knows the importance of showing up when it counts

• Accept assignments with open cooperative positive and team-oriented attitudes

• Able to plan and execute plans across teams

• Effective communicator both written and verbal

What You'll Enjoy:

• Competitive wage and benefits package

• Medical, dental, vision and life/disability insurance

• Vacation and paid holidays

• Tuition reimbursement

• Great 401k with company match

• Employee referral program

• Community involvement investing and giving back to the community

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.