Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Benchmark Space Systems

. Build and lead Benchmark’s new Spacecraft Systems Engineering function .

Posted 9/30/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $170,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in spacecraft systems engineering, including integration practices, requirements tracking, and verification planning. Proven ability to lead engineering teams and collaborate across multiple disciplines to ensure successful spacecraft program delivery.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Spacecraft Systems EngineeringRequirements DefinitionCOTS Component IntegrationTeam LeadershipVerification Planning

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Systems AnalysisTechnical IntegrationRequirements TrackingInterface DocumentationVerification PlanningSubsystem DesignEngineering TradesVendor Specification AssessmentSpace Vehicle IntegrationSpacecraft Program Management

Soft Skills

CollaborationMentoringEffective CommunicationAnalytical ThinkingProblem Solving

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringSpacecraft SystemsCOTS ComponentsSpace EnvironmentsRadiation EffectsProgram PhasesIntegration and TestU.S. Person ComplianceCross-Functional EnvironmentTechnical Documentation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and lead Benchmark’s new Spacecraft Systems Engineering function
Define spacecraft-level technical integration practices across COTS components and in-house developments
Serve as the internal technical integration point across spacecraft disciplines
Ensure subsystem designs, interfaces, and budgets close at the vehicle level
Own systems analysis, engineering trades, and documentation relied upon by program leadership
Establish spacecraft systems engineering practices, artifacts, and review expectations
Own system-level trades, requirements tracking, verification planning, interface documentation, and system budgets across spacecraft programs
Define acceptance of vendor data versus independent analysis or test, and own verification credit rationale
Evaluate and recommend COTS spacecraft components against program requirements and environments
Assess vendor specifications, qualification data, and heritage claims
Build and mentor a systems engineering team as programs and scope grow
Collaborate across program management, engineering, operations, customers, and other departments
Support spacecraft programs from early design through verification and delivery
Participate periodically in integration and test areas and occasionally travel to customer and supplier sites

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or a closely related field, OR a combination of education and related working experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired
8+ years of experience working on space vehicles in a systems engineering or adjacent role
At least 2 years leading small engineering teams in an aerospace or related environment
Responsibility for a defined scope on at least one spacecraft program from requirements definition through integration, test, and delivery
Experience deriving requirements, setting verification approaches, and maintaining traceability
Knowledge of space vehicle integration and test flows, typical program phases, and review cycles
Experience integrating COTS or externally supplied components into a flight vehicle, including assessment of vendor qualification evidence and heritage claims
Experience coordinating program management, engineering, operations, and customer needs
Must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. export control laws
Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future
Working competency across major spacecraft subsystems: power, avionics, ADCS, comms, thermal, structures, and propulsion
Working knowledge of space environments and radiation effects
Ability to work in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and matrixed cross-functional environment
Ability to collaborate in a multi-team environment to plan and accomplish tasks and meet objectives
Ability to understand, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, technical procedures, or government policy
Effective written, visual presentation, and oral communication of technical problems and concepts to technical and non-technical audiences

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families)
Vision & Dental Insurance
Company paid life, AD&D, and disability insurances
Voluntary Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) with employer match
Flexible schedule
Unlimited vacation