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Space Surveillance Engineer I

Colorado, United States

Meet Slingshot 

At Slingshot Aerospace, we're on a mission to make space safer and more secure for everyone. Our work directly impacts global security, disaster response, climate monitoring, and the critical infrastructure that connects our world. We're a team of builders, thinkers, and problem-solvers who believe that the next generation of space operations will be powered by better data and smarter software. We move fast, we're not afraid to fail, and we believe the best ideas can come from anywhere—whether you're in engineering, sales, product, or operations. If you want to work on something that truly matters, with people who care deeply about the impact we're making and help shape the future of an industry that's just getting started, you're in the right place. 

What You’ll Be Launching 

As a member of Space Surveillance Research and Development (R&D) technical staff, you will support Slingshot’s efforts to accelerate the security, safety, and sustainability of space via the detection, tracking, identification, and characterization of satellites and space debris. This work will include a subset of (i) designing sensing systems for space surveillance applications; (ii) development of software/hardware interfaces for ground- and space-based gimbaled and non-gimbaled sensor systems, (iii) development of state-of-the-art detection, calibration, and mount control algorithms; (iv) modeling, simulation, and analysis of sensor network capabilities; and (v) development of robust software to autonomously operate remote observatories. 

We're building a team of sharp, creative people who love solving hard problems. We value curiosity over ego, initiative over waiting for permission, and people who genuinely care about doing great work. Bring your expertise, your fresh ideas, and your drive—we'll bring the rocket fuel. 

Your Mission (Should you choose to accept it)  

  • Execute all position responsibilities in alignment with Slingshot’s core values, mission, and purpose
  • Perform system-level design, simulation, and integration of hardware components to create cutting-edge space surveillance systems
  • Develop algorithms and software to help automate and enhance sensor data tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination
  • Support ongoing and future transitions of Slingshot’s products and services to the Slingshot Global Sensor Network (SGSN), space operations centers, and other technology testbeds
  • Engage with customers and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes for their mission-critical needs
  • Contribute your expertise and ideas to help shape our products and strategies
  • Prepare technical reports and briefing materials
  • Perform other duties as assigned (to be less than 10% of the responsibilities listed above)
     

Pre-flight Checklist 

  • Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for government security clearances 
  • Undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field
  • At least one year of relevant experience, potentially accounting for a record of academic excellence with relevant internship experience
  • Experience developing applications in Python and/or C++
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to convey salient details about advanced technology in a compelling manner to both experts and non-experts alike
  • Ability to travel up to 5% of the time within and outside of the United States to support customer engagements, technical exchanges, or sensor installations
  • Tenacious drive to overcome challenges and deliver solutions with excellence

Bonus Cargo 

  • Graduate level degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field
  • Significant experience developing and debugging applications in Python and/or C++ with deployment experience in a Linux operating environment
  • Experience in optics or mechanical system component design and assembly
  • Training or experience in fields such as image processing, algorithm optimization, software/hardware interfacing, embedded/GPU development, astrodynamics, estimation theory, statistical analysis, remote sensing, radiometry, and machine learning
  • Early-stage startup experience 


We're building a constellation here, not looking for identical satellites. Every member of the team brings different capabilities to the same mission. If your orbit intersects with ours and you're mission-ready, send it. 

 

Location:  Fort Collins, CO 

Salary: $105,000-174,900 

Classification: Full-Time Exempt 

US-based Candidates: we are currently only able to hire residents of the following U.S. states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV We are unable to consider candidates residing in other U.S. states at this time.

Internationally-based Candidates: we are currently only able to hire residents of the following locations: United Kingdom. We are unable to consider candidates residing in other countries at this time.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion are key to our success. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for creating a safer, more connected world. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also national origin, citizenship, sex, color, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic that is part of one’s identity. All of our employees’ points of view are key to our success, and we embrace individuality.

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