Principal Systems Engineer

Join Our Mission to Revolutionize Space Logistics!

Explore every ocean in the solar system, collect and store the fluid, and sustain life in space.

At Space Ocean we’re a cutting-edge space startup on a mission to push the boundaries of exploration and innovation to supply resources for humanity’s expansion into space, targeting near-Earth orbit by 2027 and beyond, including Mars.

As we prepare to launch groundbreaking projects, we’re seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead technical excellence and drive the development of next-generation for satellite-based fluid transport missions.

Role Overview As a consulting Principal Systems Engineer, you’ll own the end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle for our missions, ensuring seamless integration of complex systems while mentoring teams and shaping our technical strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership: Guide cross-functional teams (hardware, software, operations) to deliver mission-critical solutions. Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of innovation.
• Requirements Derivation &; Management: Translate high-level mission objectives into actionable system/sub-system requirements. Maintain traceability and manage changes across the product lifecycle.
• System Modeling: Develop and validate system models (MBSE, SysML) to optimize architecture, performance, and risk & opportunity management .
• Verification & Validation: create test plans, evaluate results, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years in systems engineering, with experience in space systems, satellites, or the broader aerospace industry.
• Proven track record in requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama) and modeling tools (Cameo).
• Strong grasp of systems engineering principles (requirements, architecture, trade studies, FMEA).
• Leadership experience in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with autonomous systems, fault management, or mission operations.
• Knowledge of space mission design, radiation hardening, and constellations.
• Familiarity with Agile/DevOps practices.

Why Join Us? Equity stake in a high-growth startup. Remote-friendly with flexible hours. Cutting-edge tech: Work with advanced tools and platforms Impact: Directly contribute to missions that redefine space sustainability.

Compensation: Fractional ownership opportunity throughout the start-up phase. Transition to 1099 upon investor funding and contractual award.

Additional Information: Candidates must be willing to undergo a background check and comply with US space regulations and security protocols.