Payload Systems Engineer Senior

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next- generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York's complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York's existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We're looking to expand our team across the board.

York is seeking a Senior Payload Systems Engineer to lead the definition, integration, verification, and operational deployment of spacecraft payloads across an expanding mission portfolio. This role requires deep technical competence, systems-level thinking, and the judgment to make informed decisions in complex, multidisciplinary environments.

Senior engineers at York serve as key technical contributors, shaping payload architectures, guiding integration strategies, and collaborating closely across spacecraft subsystems. The ideal candidate brings strong engineering fundamentals, growing system-level insight, and confidence operating with autonomy in fast-paced development cycles.

This role will be fully on-site in our Greenwood Village, Colorado office.

Responsibilities

• Lead payload systems engineering activities from requirements development through integration, verification, and on-orbit operations, with increasing autonomy and responsibility for complex technical decisions.
• Develop, refine, and manage payload requirements, architectures, interface control documents, and verification strategies.
• Define and manage interfaces across payloads, spacecraft subsystems, flight software, and ground systems.
• Evaluate payload performance, compatibility, and technical risks, recommending and driving resolution strategies.
• Coordinate technical activities with payload suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams, ensuring alignment across design and integration efforts.
• Develop and execute payload test procedures, troubleshoot hardware and software, and document verification results.
• Support spacecraft integration, on-orbit commissioning, and investigation of operational anomalies.
• Identify and drive improvements in engineering processes, interface standards, and reusable system patterns.

This role will not have direct reports.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of relevant engineering experience in aerospace, electronics, software, telecommunications, robotics, or other complex technical systems.
• Strong technical fundamentals in at least one engineering discipline and demonstrated ability to learn and apply knowledge across disciplines.

• Experience in design, analysis, integration, testing, or troubleshooting of complex hardware/software systems.
• Ability to execute and lead technical work independently, assess risks, and exercise sound engineering judgment.
• Clear communication skills with ability to translate complex technical findings into actionable recommendations.

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

• Willingness to work full-time in office in Greenwood Village, CO.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active U.S. Secret security clearance or higher.

• Experience with radar systems, radar payload integration, or radar signal processing.
• Systems engineering experience including requirements, interfaces, and verification.
• Hands-on experience integrating and testing complex hardware/software systems.
• Familiarity with spacecraft systems, sensors, communications, embedded systems, or networks.
• Proficiency with scripting, automation, or analysis tools.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (subject to spousal surcharge).
• Company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Generous 401(k) match.

How To Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking the "Apply" link at the top of the page. York Space Systems will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is closed. York Space Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Must have permanent authorization to work in the United States. This policy applies to all terms and conditions or employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. YORK SPACE SYSTEMS IS AN EEO EMPLOYER.