Lead Space System Engineer
About the Team: The Sensors Division develops advanced solutions in radar, space-based sensing, electronic warfare, and underwater acoustics. Within the Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector, we focus on advancing space sensing, space control, and counter-sensing technologies for critical national security missions.
The Role: Lead Space System Engineer
The SMS Sector is seeking a Lead Space System Engineer to leverage their systems engineering expertise in a dynamic Research & Development environment. In this role, you will be an integral part of a team dedicated to the development of a cutting-edge space-based sensing system platform.
You will architect the system and define requirements for the constellation, encompassing command and control (C2), intersatellite communications, ground processing, spectrum allocation, and satellite sensor modes. You will drive the critical decision-making process on how functionality is partitioned between space and ground segments, balancing mission performance against key constraints such as SWAP-C and security.
As the system engineer, you will collaborate closely with program leadership and external partners to establish and execute the program’s objectives, requirements, and development plan. You will also play a key role in assessing current and future system capabilities and providing technical development insights for business development initiatives. This position offers significant opportunities for career growth within a fast-paced and rapidly expanding company.
What you will do:
- Lead systems engineering and requirements development/management for a team building a space-based sensing platform.
- Architect and drive detailed analysis to derive command and control, data transport, and processing requirements.
- Collaborate with other team leads and subcontractors on the technology roadmap to test and integrate complex subsystems.
- Define mission partitioning between the system under development and other government systems, authoring the Interface Control Documents (ICDs) that govern these critical interactions.
- Provide guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior staff to elevate the team's overall technical capability.
Who you are:
- Clearance: Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
- BS with 7+ years of experience or MS with 5+ years of experience in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or related field. With a proven track record in a System Engineering role.
- Sensing Expertise: Deep technical expertise in one or more of the following:
- Space-based RF/RADAR processing (including signal processing, spectrum allocation, or electronic warfare).
- Space-based Optical sensing and processing (including focal plane arrays, optical trains, or image processing).
- Flight Software: Proven experience with satellite flight software architectures, including real-time software development and hardware-software interface definition.
- Systems Lifecycle: Multi-disciplinary knowledge in mission modeling, systems design, hardware/firmware integration, and testing.
- Leadership: Skilled at directing the activities of development teams and managing technical deliverables.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical requirements into actionable plans.
Even Better:
- Prior experience working on SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) or SAP (Special Access Programs).
- Experience designing, integrating, and testing optical communications hardware.
- Experience providing technical contributions to business development and proposal efforts.
- Experience with field test planning and execution.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $174.000 to $225.000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
Skills Required
- Active Top Secret security clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with 7 or more years of experience
- Master's degree in a relevant field with 5 or more years of experience
- Proven experience in a systems engineering role
- Deep technical expertise in space-based RF/radar processing or space-based optical sensing and processing
- Experience with satellite flight software architectures, real-time software development, and hardware-software interface definition
- Multidisciplinary knowledge of mission modeling, systems design, hardware/firmware integration, and testing
- Experience directing development teams and managing technical deliverables
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience with SCI or SAP programs
- Experience designing, integrating, and testing optical communications hardware
- Experience contributing technically to business development and proposal efforts
- Experience with field test planning and execution
What the Team is Saying
STR Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are highlighted by a 401(k) with a 4% company match plus a 6% profit-sharing contribution, which can materially boost total rewards if paid as advertised. This combination stands out repeatedly as a core strength of the package.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical and dental insurance, STR-paid vision, employer HSA/HRA contributions, and company-paid life and disability insurance. Mental-health, financial counseling, and an employee assistance program add breadth to the core protections.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents is offered alongside PTO and company holidays. Dependent-care options and commuter and wellness perks further support family and lifestyle needs.
STR Insights
What We Do
STR makes the world a safer place by developing technology and applying it to solve emerging national security challenges.
Why Work With Us
We believe in a people-first culture. Yes, we are scientists, engineers, and researchers, but first, we are people. Our environment is designed to foster innovation by encouraging our employees to work collaboratively on things they are passionate about. We also really like to have fun. We believe that working hard and playing hard go hand in hand.
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