At Katalyst we believe satellite owners and operators shouldn't be stuck with outdated capabilities as they try to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. We are building the upgrade economy where satellites are reconfigured on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. We do this by adding new capabilities to satellites post-launch with in-space servicing, giving operators a second chance to maintain their competitive edge. Katalyst's hardware and software upgrades unlock the ability to respond quickly in an unpredictable environment, open new revenue streams, and dispose of the single-use model.
We would love to hear from you if you:
Want to see the impact of your work on the space industry
Embrace challenges with a desire for building skills
Thrive finding solutions to ambiguous problems
In the Senior Space Systems Engineer role, you will steer the development of systems architecture across multiple R&D products and ensure the seamless integration of subsystems for our hardware upgrade payloads. This is a technical leadership position for an individual who possesses comprehensive understanding of the interactions between complex spacecraft subsystems and their cumulative impact on overarching system design. We are looking for someone who thrives on navigating in-depth technical expertise with a broad systems perspective.
Responsibilities include ConOps development, requirements derivation, and validation and verification. If you are someone who enjoys diving deep into technical research, molding the future of spacecraft and space mission development, and providing mentorship and leadership to junior engineers, this position is for you.
Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and perform system-wide architecture design, ensuring subsystems function cohesively and meet overarching system goals
• Lead detailed technical efforts and spearhead trade studies of space system architectures
• Identify and address gaps between requirements and top-level objectives, constraining broad problems and decomposing them into actionable tasks to implement solutions
• Support the sourcing and selection of key suppliers, components, and technologies
• Define Key Performance Parameters, select quantifiable metrics, and determine modeling approaches to directly address and answer key design questions in physics-based modeling and simulation efforts
• Lead small multi-discipline teams on spacecraft design, space mission design, and R&D projects
• Assist proposal capture efforts, including private/public, DoD, OGA, and other commercial partnerships
• Conduct comprehensive system analyses, including risk assessments, reliability analyses, and trade studies to optimize system performance
• Participate in design reviews, ensuring that designs meet mission requirements, are feasible, and incorporate best practices
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering discipline
• 5 years of experience working on satellite systems with direct involvement in flight programs and the entire Validation and Verification chain
• Deep knowledge of physics-based modeling and simulation
• Ability to define and lay out solutions to ambiguous problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Expertise in the space environment, commercial space operations, and/or robotics

Desired

• Proven track record in satellite operations leadership
• Proficiency in using model-based systems engineering tools
• Proficiency with Python or Matlab

All our full-time positions include a comprehensive benefits package:

• Direct Ownership: Equity package (stock-based compensation)
• Full Coverage: Great healthcare plan including dental & vision
• Relocation Assistance: Reimbursement for moving expenses and direct support navigating the housing market in Flagstaff
• Flexibility: In-person/remote work robust Paid-Time-Off

Located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, our office blends beautiful mountain vistas and immediate access to hiking trails with the urban advantage of diverse dining options right at our doorstep.