Job Requirements
Centennial, CO Louisville, CO
Secret Polygraph not specified
Senior Level Career (10+ yrs experience)
$173,700 - $238,900
Job Description
ClearanceJobs is actively seeking a Space Segment Lead / Spacecraft Systems Architect for our client located in Louisville, CO. ClearanceJobs is the largest career network for professionals with federal government security clearances, connecting cleared talent with the opportunities that matter most. We are committed to matching top-tier candidates with clients who depend on mission-focused professionals to support national security, defense, and intelligence community initiatives. Our team works closely with hiring managers to understand their needs and deliver candidates who are not only technically qualified but cleared and ready to contribute from day one.
Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
Own end-to-end delivery of the space segment from program kickoff through final handover, maintaining compliance with mission specifications, technical baselines, schedule, and cost constraints
Define, flow down, and trace space segment technical requirements from mission-level objectives; author and maintain the V&V matrix to validate spacecraft compliance through analysis, inspection, and environmental qualification testing
Manage critical interfaces between the satellite bus and payload, resolving technical conflicts across hardware and software teams and overseeing AI&T flows, including vibration and thermal vacuum testing
Direct acquisition and management of bus contractors, payload providers, and subsystem suppliers, including SOWs and acceptance reviews
Serve as the primary technical point of contact for program stakeholders, communicating design status, managing technical performance metrics (TPMs), and driving risk mitigation strategies
Support proposal efforts as needed, contributing to satellite architecture concepts and end-to-end design in response to mission requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline
10+ years of experience in spacecraft or satellite systems engineering
Demonstrated experience managing space segment technical performance from concept through delivery, including subsystem margin tracking and corrective action planning
Solid understanding of spacecraft subsystems: CDH, Comm, EPS, GNC, Propulsion, SMS, and TCS
Experience with AI&T processes, environmental ground testing, and launch campaign support
Strong technical leadership, cross-functional coordination, and customer communication skills
Active TS/SCI clearance required
Preferred Qualifications:
Principal-level or above; experience in a matrix leadership or program-lead capacity
Background in orbital mechanics, space environment, and mission design
Familiarity with space industry standards, regulatory requirements, and lifecycle management processes
Experience supporting or contributing to proposal efforts (mission architecture, requirements definition)
Comfort operating in a fast-paced, build-phase environment with ambiguity and evolving priorities
Prior experience at a defense prime or commercial space company (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Blue Origin, or comparable)
Active TS/SCI
Clearance Requirements:
Active Secret clearance
All work performed on-site; clearance access required from day one
Location:
Louisville, CO (primary); Centennial, CO location becoming available late 2026
On-site required
Relocation candidates welcome; assistance available
Physical Requirements:
This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods, operate standard office and engineering workstation equipment, and occasionally move about the facility. The role may involve periodic presence in lab or integration environments, requiring the ability to occasionally lift and/or move equipment or materials weighing up to 25 lbs. Must be able to communicate technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
Own end-to-end delivery of the space segment from program kickoff through final handover, maintaining compliance with mission specifications, technical baselines, schedule, and cost constraints
Define, flow down, and trace space segment technical requirements from mission-level objectives; author and maintain the V&V matrix to validate spacecraft compliance through analysis, inspection, and environmental qualification testing
Manage critical interfaces between the satellite bus and payload, resolving technical conflicts across hardware and software teams and overseeing AI&T flows, including vibration and thermal vacuum testing
Direct acquisition and management of bus contractors, payload providers, and subsystem suppliers, including SOWs and acceptance reviews
Serve as the primary technical point of contact for program stakeholders, communicating design status, managing technical performance metrics (TPMs), and driving risk mitigation strategies
Support proposal efforts as needed, contributing to satellite architecture concepts and end-to-end design in response to mission requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline
10+ years of experience in spacecraft or satellite systems engineering
Demonstrated experience managing space segment technical performance from concept through delivery, including subsystem margin tracking and corrective action planning
Solid understanding of spacecraft subsystems: CDH, Comm, EPS, GNC, Propulsion, SMS, and TCS
Experience with AI&T processes, environmental ground testing, and launch campaign support
Strong technical leadership, cross-functional coordination, and customer communication skills
Active TS/SCI clearance required
Preferred Qualifications:
Principal-level or above; experience in a matrix leadership or program-lead capacity
Background in orbital mechanics, space environment, and mission design
Familiarity with space industry standards, regulatory requirements, and lifecycle management processes
Experience supporting or contributing to proposal efforts (mission architecture, requirements definition)
Comfort operating in a fast-paced, build-phase environment with ambiguity and evolving priorities
Prior experience at a defense prime or commercial space company (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Blue Origin, or comparable)
Active TS/SCI
Clearance Requirements:
Active Secret clearance
All work performed on-site; clearance access required from day one
Location:
Louisville, CO (primary); Centennial, CO location becoming available late 2026
On-site required
Relocation candidates welcome; assistance available
Physical Requirements:
This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods, operate standard office and engineering workstation equipment, and occasionally move about the facility. The role may involve periodic presence in lab or integration environments, requiring the ability to occasionally lift and/or move equipment or materials weighing up to 25 lbs. Must be able to communicate technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
group id: ClearanceJobsSC
