Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer

SSI is seeking a Space Vehicle and Payload Engineer for a role in El Segundo, CA.

In this role, you will provide critical technical expertise to Government mission managers. In this pivotal role, you will support all phases of planning, development, and execution for national security satellite operations. As a key technical advisor, you will bridge the gap between initial program planning and active mission execution, ensuring the seamless operation and long-term sustainment of critical space assets. In addition, this position will champion the integration of autonomous operations, while assisting with overseeing multiple payload development for optical systems and satellite communications alongside the government customer.

Role and Responsibilities include:

• Provide comprehensive payload and space vehicle engineering support to Government mission managers across all lifecycle phases-from initial concept development through active flight operations and logistics.
• Develop, maintain, and execute detailed program plans to guide constellation deployment and operational readiness.
• Define, identify, monitor, and verify mission-unique requirements to align spacecraft capability with evolving mission objectives.
• Provide critical mission integration services to Government Mission Manager for space vehicle and payload operations, logistics and sustainment and launch.
• Develop and review technical assessments and presentations for senior leadership reviews.
• Generate mission status reports and presentations for Weekly Staff Meeting, Executive Program Reviews, and mission status briefings for space domain awareness programs.
• Review and provides technical evaluations to key mission contractual documentation for sustainment contracts.
• Support the development and future operations of a sophisticated satellite constellation designed for space-based surveillance and reconnaissance.
• Manage the Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) process, including formulating clear change definitions, conducting exhaustive technical evaluations, and assessing operational impacts.
• Collaborate with contractors and government stakeholders to review design modifications, ensuring payload compatibility and system integrity.
• Perform risk assessments on proposed hardware and software changes, presenting actionable findings to program leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Engineering specialty with at least ten (10) years of applicable experience.
• Hands-on experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations, logistics, or phased deployment schedules.
• Direct technical experience with optical, RF, or radar payloads. Experience with communication payloads and link budgets.
• Experience developing long-term vehicle sustainment plans, orbital maneuvers, or end-of-life disposal strategies.
• Active TS clearance with in-scope T5/SSBI is required, along with SCI eligibility and participation in Continuous Evaluation.
• Must meet all requirements for SCI and SAP access and be willing to undergo a polygraph examination.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Systems Engineering.
• Hands-on experience managing multi-satellite constellation operations, logistics, or phased deployment schedules.
• Direct technical experience with optical, RF, or radar payloads. Experience with communication payloads and link budgets
• Experience developing long-term vehicle sustainment plans, orbital maneuvers, or end-of-life disposal strategies.
• Travel is 10%.