Senior Systems Engineer, GNC and Mission Design
Englewood, Colorado
US Engineering – Systems Engineering /
Full-time (Regular) /
On-site
At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.
With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.
Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.
The role of Senior Systems Engineer, GNC and Mission Design within the ispace-US Systems Engineering team will support the design and verification activities of the Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC), Mission Design, and Flight Dynamics subsystems. This position will provide lifecycle support from design and requirements definition through the completion of verification and validation activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support ConOps definition for major mission phases
- Requirements definition and tracing from Mission level to the subsystem details (L0-L4) for GNC, Mission Design, and Flight Dynamics,
- Support the writing of interface definitions for the 3 teams
- Support the development of simulation environments that will be used for V&V activities
- Lead risk assessments for these 3 teams and, as needed, developing materials for the Risk Review Board (RRB)
- Lead Verification and Validation (V&V) planning for the 3 teams, including ensuring coverage of the ConOps as well as coverage for both physical and simulated tests
- Provide systems engineering oversight support for 2 major subcontracts under GNC
- Lead sensor test planning for GNC sensors and support live sensor tests
- Ensure sufficient validation for activities contained in other Mission Design and Flight Dynamics operational plans
- Manage requirement selloff activities for the 3 subsystems and relevant suppliers, including reviewing all relevant documents, managing any needed waiver requests, and any emergent risks from V&V
- Support other Systems Engineering activities as necessary and as time allows
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field. We will consider a combination of experience and education.
- 10+ years of experience with spacecraft development.
- 5+ years of experience in systems engineering for or design experience with GNC, Mission Design, and/or trajectory design.
- Familiarity with NASA mission design standards and verification processes.
- Prior work in a cross-disciplinary systems engineering environment.
- Experience managing suppliers, including scope control and requirement verification.
What Makes You Stand Out!
- Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft propulsion, GNC, and comms subsystems.
- Proficiency with astrodynamics tools (GMAT, STK, Copernicus, or equivalent).
- Experience with lunar or deep space mission design.
- Experience supporting lunar or planetary lander missions.
- Experience with Monte Carlo analysis and covariance studies.
- Experience managing requirements in Jama.
- Experience managing work and documents in Jira and Confluence.
Key Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lead multi-disciplinary trade studies.
- Excellent communication skills for technical presentations and documentation.
- Systems-thinking approach with attention to mission-level impacts of subsystem trades.
$126,000 - $189,000 a year
The salary posted is a targeted range for budget of position. Base compensation can be negotiated and will be commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.
We welcome candidates with diverse experience levels and evaluate the best fit on an individual basis. Your final job level and salary will be determined based on your skills, experience, and the impact you can bring to the role.
Health Coverage: Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.
Hybrid Work: Flexibility to work remotely and in-office, depending on your role and the stage of our program.
Commuter Perks: Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.
Lunch Perks: Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café.
Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.
Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching.
Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel.
Stock Options: Participation in our stock option program.
Learning & Development: Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development.
Team Culture: A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings, including monthly TGIF events to connect and unwind.
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At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR .here.
ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
All applicants who are offered employment with ispace US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.
ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.
ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.
