Systems Engineer

Systems EngineerThis Systems Engineer role focuses on the design, integration, and development of advanced space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms. You will lead requirements definition and traceability, oversee system architecture and interfaces, and support full lifecycle verification and validation activities. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will help deliver cutting-edge payloads on faster-moving programs while maintaining rigorous mission assurance and compliance standards.Design, integrate, and develop space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms.Define, allocate, and manage technical requirements for complex space systems.Ensure end-to-end traceability of requirements throughout the development lifecycle and resolve conflicts or issues as they arise.Lead requirements definition, allocation, and traceability activities across the full development lifecycle.Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system design descriptions, interface control documents (ICDs), concepts of operations (CONOPs), and test plans.Generate clear technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners.Provide technical management of project requirements, system architecture, system interfaces, mission assurance guidelines, and system compliance.Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms.Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality of sophisticated payloads.Support hardware and software development teams with system-level test planning, debugging, integration, and execution of verification test procedures.Analyze test data, identify issues or performance shortfalls, and recommend design refinements or corrective actions.Lead hardware and software verification and validation activities to confirm alignment with program and customer requirements.Provide technical oversight of system architecture, interfaces, mission assurance, and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.Participate in technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project and technical discussions.Support the development, testing, and delivery of space payloads, including assessment and mitigation of technical risks.Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure that system-level decisions support program objectives and schedules.Contribute to continuous improvement of systems engineering processes, tools, and best practices.Support travel or off-site work as needed to coordinate integration, testing, or customer interactions.Perform other systems engineering duties as assigned to support mission and program success.This is a fully onsite role in a smaller, highly collaborative organization where you can see the direct impact of your work on active space payload programs. You will work closely with a systems engineering team of approximately 7–8 professionals and partner directly with hardware, software, and test engineers. The environment emphasizes faster-moving, cutting-edge programs, where payloads are built and tested on-site, giving you regular access to labs and real-time hardware integration and test activities. Work hours are onsite five days per week, with a flexible start time between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Specific start and finish hours will be finalized with your team. You will use modern engineering tools and requirements management platforms, and you will operate within a highly regulated, mission-focused environment that prioritizes mission assurance, system compliance, and rigorous testing.This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $155000.00/hr.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)This is a fully onsite position in Tucson, AZ.This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 2026.