Chief Systems Engineer

espace · Saratoga, CA · 3 months ago

Work mode: Onsite
Seniority: C level
Employment: Full time
Category: Software engineering
Experience: 15+ years
Visa sponsorship: No
Salary: USD 190,000 – 225,000 / year

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

The CSE holds the highest technical authority in the Space Systems Organization below the CTO. This is the single point of accountability for spacecraft system architecture, all Interface Control Documents, the Verification & Validation Plan, Requirements Compliance closure, and the system-level AI&T campaign.

With Space Systems Electrical Engineering (SSEE) as an organic fifth function, the CSE also holds sole authority over the spacecraft-level electrical architecture and the electrical ICD framework to which every hardware VP and Semiconductor Development designs. The scope extends beyond the spacecraft — the CSE owns the program digital thread connecting requirements through design, verification, as-built records, and on-orbit telemetry.

What you’ll be doing:

System architecture — requirements decomposition, allocation to subsystem budgets, ICD development and baseline control, and trade space management across mass, power, pointing, and cost.

Verification & Validation — V&V plan development, TPM definition and tracking, requirements compliance matrix management, environmental test planning (TVAC, vibration/acoustic, EMI/EMC), and test data disposition.

Electrical systems — spacecraft-level power distribution, grounding and shielding, EMI/EMC (MIL-STD-461 or equivalent), signal integrity, and connector/harness standards; sufficient depth to own the electrical ICD framework and evaluate design compliance across all subsystems.

Integration & Test — AI&T campaign planning and execution, FlatSat and HIL facility operations, environmental test readiness review process, and anomaly investigation and disposition.

Configuration management — configuration baseline control, CCB process administration, and engineering change order management across both engineering and production phases.

Digital thread / MBSE — connecting requirements, design artifacts, verification evidence, and as-built records in a traceable data architecture; working familiarity with MBSE tools (DOORS NG, Cameo, SysML) and digital thread architectures.

What you bring to this role:

15+ years progressive systems engineering experience in the space industry, with at least one flight project carried from SRR through on-orbit operations.

Constellation program experience — direct accountability for spacecraft-level architecture, cross-vehicle interface management, or system-level verification across a multi-satellite fleet. This is a required differentiator, not a preference.

ICD and design review leadership — direct responsibility for requirements traceability and verification closure; presented and defended technical baselines at formal design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR) before a standing review board.

Digital communications background — demonstrated background in RF link design, phased array systems, modem/waveform, or OSI Layer 1–2 protocol architecture.

Prior subsystem depth — hands-on subsystem leadership (payload, bus, or ground) before transitioning to systems engineering. This prior depth is the foundation for the technical credibility required to arbitrate disputes across RF, power, structures, software, and semiconductors.

Team leadership — demonstrated record of building and developing multi-discipline systems engineering teams, including recruiting and retaining Principal Engineers.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to make and defend binding technical decisions under uncertainty — including accepting residual risk with documented rationale — and to hold a technical position under schedule or cost pressure. Experience presenting to and defending technical baselines before external review boards is require

Additional Requirements

This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The target base pay for this position is $190,000- $225,000annually. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.

This role requires access to controlled technical data. Under U.S. law (ITAR/EAR), we can only consider U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals granted asylum or refugee status).

E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference

• Sustainability at our core

• Fair and honest workplace

• Innovative thinking is encouraged

• Competitive salaries

• Continuous learning and development

• Health and wellness care options

• Financial solutions for the future

• Optional legal services (US only)

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off

What you’ll be doing:

What you bring to this role:

Additional Requirements

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