Director of Space System

Job Description

Raptor Dynamix is seeking a Director of Space Systems to serve as the chief technical and organizational leader for our space architecture, payload integration, orbital operations, and mission-critical systems engineering. This is a player-coach role: you will lead our space systems engineering team while also contributing architecturally to our most complex on-orbit missions and autonomous space payloads. Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Space Systems will own the full lifecycle of space missions—from payload concept and design through integration, launch, on-orbit deployment, and operational command—ensuring our systems deliver mission-grade performance in demanding DoD and national security applications.

Minimum Requirements

• 12+ years of progressive experience in space systems engineering, spacecraft design, or orbital mission operations.

• At least 2+ years in a systems engineering leadership role or chief engineer position on space programs.

• Deep systems engineering expertise: requirements development, architectural design, integration & verification, and mission operations.
• Proven experience developing and deploying space systems from concept through on- orbit operation; strong grasp of spacecraft subsystems and mission architecture trade-offs.
• Demonstrated experience with smallsat/CubeSat programs or rapid-iteration space missions.
• Experience supporting DoD space programs (military satellite communications, ISR, launch operations) or intelligence community space initiatives.

• Top Secret/SCI clearance eligible. Essential Job Duties

  The ideal candidate is capable, motivated, and willing to learn and grow as the position evolves. As a Director of Space Systems, you must be able to:

  Space Architecture & Mission Design

• Develop comprehensive space mission architectures for SDA, autonomous ISR, and counter-threat operations aligned with DoD strategic requirements and customer missions.
• Lead spacecraft and payload concept development: define orbital regimes, altitude profiles, constellation strategies, and operational concepts that optimize mission effectiveness.
• Establish technical standards, design guidelines, and verification/validation frameworks for space systems across RDX programs.

• Maintain strategic awareness of the space technology landscape: smallsat buses, launch providers, on-orbit servicing, terrestrial integration partners, and emerging space domain challenges.

  Payload Integration & On-Orbit Operations

• Lead payload engineering: mechanical/electrical integration, thermal design, power budget optimization, and data downlink architecture for neuromorphic sensors, compute platforms, and legacy ISR payloads.
• Oversee on-orbit command and control systems; define operational procedures, anomaly resolution, and autonomous decision frameworks for space-based systems.
• Drive mission planning and resource allocation (power, bandwidth, compute) across operational orbits and constellation phases.

• Ensure robust payload performance validation through ground testing, modeling/simulation, and on-orbit commissioning.

  Spacecraft & Subsystems Engineering

• Partner with smallsat bus vendors and subsystem suppliers to select, adapt, or develop spacecraft platforms tailored to RDX mission requirements.
• Oversee bus selection and customization: power, propulsion, attitude control, communication, thermal management, and attitude determination subsystems.
• Manage spacecraft-to-payload interfaces, EMI/EMC analysis, and integration verification.

• Define and enforce reliability, redundancy, and fault tolerance architectures for mission-

  critical space systems. Launch & Deployment Strategy

• Evaluate launch vehicles, deployment mechanisms, and rideshare opportunities aligned with schedule, cost, and mission requirements.
• Coordinate with launch providers on payload integration, environmental testing, and deployment procedures.
• Lead pre-launch certification, readiness reviews, and flight operations planning. Team Leadership & Talent Development
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing space systems engineering team; own hiring, onboarding, career development, and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of mission focus, rigorous systems engineering, and continuous learning in a fast-paced space environment.
• Collaborate closely with payload engineers, software architects, program managers, and government partners to deliver integrated, operationally-effective solutions.

• Champion world-class engineering disciplines: requirements traceability, configuration management, risk management, and compliance documentation.

  Compliance, Safety & Security

  • Ensure all space systems comply with DoW, NOAA, and FCC requirements; manage orbital debris mitigation and space safety protocols.

• Embed secure-by-design and secure-by-default principles in spacecraft and payload design, command uplinks, and telemetry downlinks.
• Support compliance with export control (ITAR), data rights, and cybersecurity requirements (NIST, DFARS). Program & Customer Engagement
• Partner with Program Management and DoW customers on technical requirements, system design reviews, and mission assurance.
• Contribute to proposal development: technical approach, systems architecture, mission concepts, and staffing plans for space initiatives.
• Represent space capabilities to government partners, technical evaluation committees, and external stakeholders.

• Advise CEO and CTO on space technology roadmap, emerging threats/opportunities, and strategic program positioning.

  Please note this list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  EEO Statement

  Raptor Dynamix is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Raptor Dynamix is an E-Verify program participant.