Principal Spacecraft System Engineer (TS/SCI)

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Principal Spacecraft Systems Engineer to support a critical mission for U.S. Space Force in El Segundo, CA. The team is seeking an individual skilled with systems engineering of ground-to-satellite communication technologies for a proprietary Satellite Operations Center (SOC).

Clearance: Active TS/SCI required, Top Secret (minimum)

Location: El Segundo, CA (100% on-site)

This job opens for applications on 10/16/2025. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date

Responsibilities of the Spacecraft Systems Engineer:

· Deliver comprehensive Systems Engineering support throughout the full system lifecycle—from concept development through operations and sustainment—for cloud-based U.S. Space Force Satellite Operations Centers (SOCs) and cutting-edge ground-to-satellite communication technologies (e.g., laser optical links, phased array antennas, and advanced modulation techniques).

· Provide technical leadership and oversight across all phases of system development, including design, manufacturing, integration, testing, production, and sustainment, using both traditional acquisition approaches (e.g., waterfall, spiral) and agile or prototyping methodologies.

· Define and refine operational concepts, system requirements, architectural frameworks, and network schematics; guide the evolution of system architectures; perform requirements decomposition and flow-down analysis; and develop and implement verification strategies.

· Lead risk management activities by identifying, assessing, and mitigating program risks; conduct detailed analyses to uncover potential risk areas and recommend effective risk reduction strategies.

· Manage configuration control using tools such as Jira and Confluence to document changes, track requirements, and monitor project milestones.

· Support the development and enhancement of configuration management processes for space systems, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all project documentation.

· Contribute to the creation, review, and maintenance of engineering documentation, ensuring proper version control and traceability throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications of the Spacecraft Systems Engineer:

• Top Secret/SCI Clearance required, Top Secret minimum
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 14+ years of relevant experience (or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of degree).
• Mechanical/Electrical engineering background highly preferred
• Experience supporting spacecraft lifecycle including propulsion, power, and communications
• Proficient in systems engineering methodologies, including requirements definition, management, verification, and validation processes.
• Experienced in executing requirement verification and sell-off activities.
• Technically adept with strong computer skills and a quick ability to learn new tools; familiar with configuration management platforms such as Jira and Confluence.
• Well-versed in engineering fundamentals and the phases of the project lifecycle, particularly within the context of space system development.
• Highly organized with keen attention to detail and proven ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities effectively.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative approach to working across multidisciplinary teams.
• Some CONUS/OCONUS travel required (up to 15%)

Compensation of the Spacecraft Systems Engineer:

• Total compensation based on experience level - $195,000-$220,000+ **based on years of experience**
• Full Benefits: PTO, 11 Paid Holidays, Sick leave as required by state law, Medical, Dental, and Vision, 401k with ADP
• Certification reimbursement
• Long-term program

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