Space Systems Engineer

Katalyst Description:

At Katalyst we believe satellite owners and operators shouldn’t be stuck with outdated capabilities as they try to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. We are building the Upgrade Economy where satellites are reconfigured on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. We do this by adding new capabilities to satellites post-launch with in-space servicing, unlocking the ability to respond quickly in an unpredictable environment, open new revenue streams, and dispose of the single-use model. 

You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:

• Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
• Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
• Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.

Role Description:

As a Space Systems Engineer, you’ll play a key role in developing cohesive system architectures and ensuring the effective integration of spacecraft subsystems to meet mission objectives. This position is a Space Systems Engineering role, focused on the engineering of space systems, rather than a systems engineer for space. We’re looking for someone with a deep understanding of how complex subsystems interact and impact overall system performance.

If you’re excited about making a big impact while leaning into collaboration with a small, multi-disciplinary team—and doing it surrounded by Flagstaff’s Ponderosa pines—we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate on a multi-discipline team on spacecraft design, space mission design, and R&D projects
• Conduct comprehensive system analyses, including risk assessments, reliability analyses, and trade studies to optimize system performance and develop CONOPs based on product use cases and goals
• Support system-wide space system architecture design, including definition of subsystem interfaces, capabilities, and requirements to meet system-level goals
• Integrate spacecraft components, ensuring cohesive system functionality and compatibility across all subsystems.
• Conduct in-depth research on complex technical topics and spearhead trade studies of space system architectures
• Support the sourcing and selection of key suppliers, components, and technologies for spacecraft systems
• Define Key Performance Parameters and select quantifiable metrics, employing modeling approaches that address and answer critical design questions in physics-based modeling and simulation efforts
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate integrated system performance in simulated operational environments
• Assist in proposal capture efforts, including engagements with private/public partners, Department of Defense, Other Government Agencies, and other commercial partnerships

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical engineering discipline
• 2+ years of hands-on experience working on satellite systems with
• Deep knowledge of physics-based modeling and simulation experience (development & analysis)
• Ability to define and lay out solutions to ambiguous problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction

Desired:

• Direct involvement in flight operations or launch campaign
• Hardware Validation and Verification experience
• Proficiency with Python, Matlab, STK, and/or Ansys
• Experience in orbital mechanics / astrodynamics
• Experience in Space Domain Awareness, RPOD, or Robotics
• Expertise in system definition using UML or SysML

Additional Requirements:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:  

Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.