Demo

Space Systems Engineer

Astrion
Kirtland, NM Full Time
POSTED ON 4/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/8/2026
Overview

Space Systems Engineer

LOCATION: Kirtland AFB, NM (On-Site)

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: DoD Secret Clearance

TRAVEL: 10%

Astrion is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support spacecraft engineering, satellite operations, and ground system development for the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base.

This role is ideal for junior- to mid-level engineers with experience in Orbital Mechanics, spacecraft systems engineering, satellite operations, and the spacecraft development lifecycle. The engineer will support mission planning, spacecraft development activities, and on-orbit mission operations for small satellite programs.

Education

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Bachelor of Science in one of the following or a related technical field:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Experience

  • Experience with scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
  • Experience with spacecraft orbital simulation software (e.g., Systems Tool Kit (STK), FreeFlyer)
  • Experience with spacecraft development or satellite operations
  • Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and interfaces including power, communications, command and data handling, and attitude determination and control systems (ADCS)

Core Competencies

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and execute technical tasking
  • Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Ability to lead technical discussions and coordinate engineering activities
  • Strong technical documentation and organizational skills
  • Ability to develop well-documented analysis scripts and technical tools

Preferred Qualifications / Skills

  • Professional experience in a space systems engineering or spacecraft operations role
  • Experience supporting spacecraft mission planning or on-orbit operations
  • Master’s degree in a relevant technical field

Responsibilities

  • Execute technical tasking from government engineers and program managers
  • Support spacecraft systems engineering activities including requirements management, risk tracking, architecture trades, and orbit analysis
  • Support on-orbit spacecraft operations and mission experiments
  • Serve as mission manager or technical lead for small satellite missions when assigned
  • Support the design, development, integration, and testing of spacecraft subsystems and ground systems
  • Produce engineering documentation, reports, and analysis supporting mission development and operations
  • Identify technical risks and support development of mitigation strategies
  • Support spacecraft mission planning and experiment execution

Salary.com Estimation for Space Systems Engineer in Kirtland, NM
$87,961 to $101,451
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