Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have multiple openings for Spacecraft Systems Engineers to provide spacecraft subject matter expertise as part of a multi-disciplinary team performing concept development, requirements generation, modeling & simulations, and analyses of advanced space payloads and spacecraft models for the Z Program’s Space Science and Security Program (SSSP). You will collaborate with scientific and engineering personnel as well as senior management to design and deliver spacecraft models to support national security missions. You may also have some project management responsibilities for defining and implementing the technical, programmatic, and supervisory functions necessary to ensure the successful execution of the program’s agenda and develop a broad range of interfaces with current and potential sponsors. These positions in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

These positions offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

These positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level. 

You will

• Function independently with minimal direction, taking significant responsibility and using advanced knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Provide advanced level knowledge and technical support in one or more spacecraft subsystems such as attitude and orbital controls, propulsion, solar array design, electrical power systems, avionics, data handling and on-board processing, thermal, structures and mechanisms, telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C), RF communications, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payloads, and/or electro-optical payloads.
• Conduct various comprehensive and complex analyses of spacecraft performance and capabilities.
• Collaborate and interface directly with management and external sponsors to coordinate and communicate technical milestones and solicit input from technical leaders in the space program.
• Use technical expertise and analytical skills to develop and communicate results through formal technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed papers as appropriate.
• Review intelligence reports and perform, prepare, and provide technical analysis for the intelligence community and external sponsors.
• Provide technical expertise and analytical support to guide, contribute to, and collaborate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team including engineers, scientists, and technical staff to solve complex technical problems and achieve specific technical goals relevant to national security missions in space systems.
• Maintain appropriate security in a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) environment.
• May mentor other less experienced team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level 

• Operate under consultative direction with substantial authority, using in-depth analysis and subject matter expertise in highly advanced concepts, to resolve a diverse range of highly complex problems, independently determine strategies, modify approaches, and pursue actions that impact organizational operations or directions and achieve long-term goals.
• Develop, implement, and provide highly advanced engineering solutions and technical analysis to resolve highly complex technical and programmatic issues.
• Perform highly advanced and highly complex analyses of spacecraft constellations performance and capabilities.
• Propose, develop, and implement strategies that enhance the ability of the lab to address new opportunities in space systems analysis, modeling, and simulations utilizing highly advanced technical knowledge of space systems engineering and best practices in the aerospace community.
• Participate in strategic planning and contribute to the development and establishment of integrated strategies for space program activities consistent with the goals of the SSSP and Z Program.
• Serve as primary technical contact to work closely and actively engage and communicate with U.S. Government sponsors, other organizations, and technology leaders to provide technical input, apply highly advanced technical knowledge, and develop, implement, and refine new concepts that support national security missions.
• Establish broad project vision and strategy and influence technical direction to drive successful outcomes for deliverables.
• Provide highly advanced technical guidance and mentorship to technical staff, fostering their technical development and supporting their growth within the team.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance with Sensitive  Compartmented Information (SCI) access which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or relevant technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience with and advanced level knowledge in one or more spacecraft subsystems or functions including but not limited to: system requirements, integration and test, launch support, on-orbit operations, attitude and orbital controls, propulsion, solar and array design, electrical power systems, avionics, data handling and on-board processing, thermal, structures and mechanisms, telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C), RF antennas and communications, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payloads, and/or electro- optical (EO) payloads.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary personnel, take initiative, proactively identify opportunities or challenges, utilize advanced problem-solving skills, and independently drive projects or tasks to successful completion.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, including the ability to prepare, present, and explain technical information to colleagues, senior management, and external sponsors.
• Ability to travel as necessary to present analyses to sponsors, stakeholders, and counterparts.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Significant experience conducting research and analysis related to national security issues.
• Expert-level knowledge and understanding of National Security mission requirements and significant applied experience with programs and projects for National Security mission applications and related issues.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with laboratory technical experts and coordinate with other U.S. government agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple parallel tasks, often requiring the resolution of conflicting work requirements and prioritization of tasks toward predetermined long- range targets.
• Significant experience with and demonstrated ability to successfully lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and analysts in achieving project objectives which include solving highly complex problems, systems engineering requirements definition and verification, and resource and project management.
• Expert verbal and written communication skills and experience in preparing highly complex reports and successfully delivering highly advanced technical presentations, as well as expert facilitation and collaboration skills to effectively influence and advise senior management and external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

• Current active DOE Q-level security clearance with SCI access.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Optics, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• Knowledge of industrial spacecraft engineering processes, standards, and practices.
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics including orbit determination and/or satellite maneuvering.
• Experience with spacecraft communications, command and control, and/or link budgets.
• Experience with on-orbit anomaly resolution and/or spacecraft failure review boards. Fault tree experience is a plus.
• Experience with software tools, methods, and techniques as applied to spaceflight systems, including but not limited to: ANSYS, Thermal Desktop, MATLAB STK, SolidWorks, PDM, COMSOL, or Cameo. 
• Familiar with machine learning and/or data science theories or technique.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level

$210,630 - $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  Also, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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