Senior Systems Engineer - ISA Mission Systems & RF Payloads

The Senior Systems Engineer will lead mission-level systems engineering activities for advanced aerospace and space-based RF payload systems. This role is responsible for translating mission needs into executable architectures, developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), and leading end-to-end systems engineering across mission analysis, RF payload design, integration, verification, and operational readiness. The position requires deep expertise in mission systems engineering, aerospace RF payload architectures, and cross-disciplinary technical leadership.

As the Senior Systems Engineer - ISA Mission Systems & RF Payloads , your main responsibilities will be:

• Lead mission definition, requirements development, and architecture trades from concept through deployment.
• Translate stakeholder and customer mission needs into validated system-level requirements and technical baselines.
• Develop and maintain system architecture baselines and solutions.
• Conduct mission analysis including performance modeling, link budgets, coverage analysis, and operational scenarios.
• Lead technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR) and ensure mission-level technical integrity.
• Lead system-level design of RF payloads including antennas, receivers, transmitters, frequency conversion chains, digital processing, and command/telemetry interfaces.
• Develop and validate RF link budgets, interference analysis, and spectrum compliance strategies.
• Define payload performance requirements (gain, noise figure, EIRP, G/T, bandwidth, dynamic range, etc.). 
• Coordinate with hardware, firmware, software, mechanical, thermal, and power teams to ensure integrated payload performance.
• Support environmental qualification and verification activities for flight hardware (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC, radiation)
• Develop detailed Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) aligned to mission objectives and user needs.
• Define operational modes, timelines, command sequences, and contingency operations.
• Perform operational trade studies to optimize performance, resiliency, and lifecycle cost.
• Support mission readiness assessments and operational validation exercises.
• Lead requirements decomposition, traceability, and verification planning.
• Develop verification and validation strategies for mission and payload performance. 
• Support integration and test planning, including system-level functional and performance verification.
• Ensure technical compliance with customer and program requirements.
• Serve as technical authority for mission and payload architecture decisions.
• Mentor junior systems engineers and support cross-functional integration efforts.
• Identify and manage technical risks and mitigation strategies.
• Interface directly with customers, subcontractors, and program leadership

Your skills and qualifications:
Essential education and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or space systems engineering
• Demonstrated experience leading RF payload design for airborne or space-based platforms
• Strong background in RF systems, link analysis, spectrum management, and antenna systems
• Experience developing CONOPS for complex aerospace missions
• Proven experience supporting major technical reviews (SRR/PDR/CDR/TRR/ORR)
• Ability to acquire and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SSBI and Polygraph

Desirable: ​​​​​​

• Experience with space missions in LEO, MEO, or GEO
• Experience with digital beamforming, phased arrays, or software-defined radios
• Existing Top-Secret clearance with SSBI

Base Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000 annually

We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.

Company Overview:
Innovative Signal Analysis (ISA), a HawkEye360 company, is seeking new engineering talent with an emphasis on signal analysis, real time algorithm development, high performance computing, and integrated payload solutions. ISA is a leading provider of real-time signal and image processing systems for the government and remains dedicated to the development of high-performance signal processing solutions. ISA works in all phases from concept design, through development and integration, to operations and maintenance of challenging mission critical systems, with offices in Richardson, TX & Aurora, CO.

HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.

HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

To all recruitment agencies: HawkEye 360 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, HawkEye 360 employees or any other organization location. HawkEye 360 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.