Sr. Satellite Design Engineer

SpinLaunch is a space technology company committed to revolutionizing access to space by enabling the rapid, cost-effective deployment of launch, satellites, and services. With backing from industry leaders in venture capital and engineering, including Airbus Ventures, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Kleiner Perkins, we are primed to advance the commercialization of our end-to-end space solutions. At SpinLaunch, you’ll be at the forefront of transforming the entire space landscape - creating a more affordable and sustainable space industry. Join us in our mission and be an integral part of a close-knit, collaborative team that strives in a fast-paced, innovative environment. This is a full-time, on-site position located at our Long Beach, CA headquarters.

Your Mission on the Team: 

• Own the development of unique satellite designs across a variety of mission concepts 

• Create systems models representative of on-orbit conditions, informing dynamic trade spaces  

• Generate and maintain performance budgets  

• Manage and communicate electrical, mechanical, and software interfaces  

• Cost estimation, component selection, and vendor evaluation and coordination 

• Risk assessment and mitigation 

• Contribute to designs of unique launch vehicle interfaces 

• Conceptualize constellation deployment schemes 

• Contribute to the development of satellite constellation architectures 

• Communicate multi-disciplinary technical concepts and details with internal and external stakeholders 

• Work with design and test engineering to generate test plans 

• Inform satellite design & development schedules 

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years professional spacecraft design/development experience 

• Skill in using and creating software tools to model systems performance across a variety of disciplines (MATLAB, Python, Excel, etc.) 

• Strong understanding of spacecraft technologies, design principles, and concepts of operations 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or related field 

• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and written communication skills 

• Ability to rapidly expand application-specific knowledge and skills where necessary  

• Passion for understanding complexity and finding answers to challenging questions 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 7+ years professional spacecraft design/development experience 

• Master’s degree in Engineering, or related field 

• Previous experience with spacecraft and/or space mission top level design  

• Previous work on small LEO satellites or satellite constellations 

• Wide breadth of experience leading satellite systems development and testing 

• Experience with creating satellite simulations and models 

• Satellite operations experience 

ITAR Requirements

SpinLaunch is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (“green card holder”) or a protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information on ITAR can be found here.

SpinLaunch is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.