Principal Software Systems Engineer

Role overview This contract position focuses on driving the development of customer satellite systems with particular emphasis on flight software delivery. The engineer works across the full lifecycle, from requirements definition through validation, verification, and operations. The role combines deep systems engineering authority with project and subject-matter responsibility for spacecraft programs at the cutting edge of space technology.

Responsibilities - Perform systems engineering for satellite software systems, including requirements development, decomposition, and flow-down across Software and Avionics Subsystems. - Lead system design and trade studies supporting subsequent detailed design work. - Plan and execute verification, including verification matrices, buy-off and sell-off, test planning, and analysis planning. - Ensure proper systems engineering processes are followed, including requirements traces and RVTMs. - Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to confirm technical requirements are met. - Drive flight software anomaly resolution and troubleshooting. - Support spacecraft development product roadmap, including design adjustments, schedule, and cost targets aligned with future business captures. - Define spacecraft customisation processes for customer mission needs and promote cost savings through reuse of heritage platform designs.

Requirements - Bachelor's degree in a STEM field; a Master's degree is preferred. - A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree, or 12 years with a master's degree. - Proven track record working with aerospace software systems from conceptual design through deployment and operations. - Demonstrated track record leading multi-disciplinary teams to solve complex problems. - Familiarity with space mission architecture elements beyond the satellite, including launch, flight operations, mission CONOPS, and user interfaces. - Experience with systems architecture, requirements definition and decomposition, and verification and validation using RVTMs. - Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methods, and requirements management tools such as DOORS. - Experience leading or performing analyses across affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, and related specialty engineering disciplines. - Clear communication across multiple organisational levels and the ability to work in a multi-functional, fast-moving environment. - Must be a US citizen.

Nice to have - Comfort operating in a flat organisation with broad autonomy and subject-matter authority.