Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

About Nova Solvers

Nova Solvers is an advanced engineering company developing spacecraft, avionics, sensing systems, autonomous technologies, and mission-critical solutions for commercial, civil, defense, and national security customers. Our team specializes in transforming complex challenges into innovative, high-performance systems that operate in the most demanding environments. We are passionate about building technologies that enable the next generation of space missions and defense capabilities.

The Role

Nova Solvers is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer to lead the development of spacecraft and payload systems from concept through launch and mission operations. This role is responsible for defining system architectures, managing technical requirements, coordinating multidisciplinary engineering efforts, and ensuring mission success throughout the program lifecycle.

The ideal candidate possesses broad spacecraft engineering expertise, strong technical leadership skills, and a proven track record supporting complex aerospace programs from early concept development through integration and flight qualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead spacecraft and payload system architecture development.
• Define, manage, and maintain system requirements and verification plans.
• Develop mission concepts, operational concepts, and system-level design solutions.
• Conduct system trades and performance analyses to support design decisions.
• Develop Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and manage subsystem interfaces.
• Coordinate requirements flow-down to subsystem teams including mechanical, electrical, software, GNC, thermal, and manufacturing.
• Support development of system budgets including mass, power, data, reliability, thermal, and performance margins.
• Lead technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR.
• Develop verification, validation, integration, and test strategies.
• Support spacecraft integration, environmental testing, and mission readiness activities.
• Manage technical risks, issues, assumptions, and mitigation plans.
• Support customer meetings, technical presentations, and proposal development activities.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to systems engineering best practices.
• Support mission operations planning and anomaly resolution activities as required.

What We Look For

We are looking for engineers who can see the big picture while effectively managing technical details. Successful candidates are collaborative leaders who can integrate diverse engineering disciplines, communicate clearly with customers and stakeholders, and drive complex programs toward successful mission outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience developing spacecraft, satellites, payloads, or other complex aerospace systems.
• Experience supporting programs through concept development, design, integration, environmental testing, and qualification.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems including power, avionics, communications, structures, thermal, propulsion, GNC, and software.
• Experience developing and managing system requirements, verification plans, and interface documentation.
• Experience leading technical reviews and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced development environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience supporting GEO, LEO, MEO, cislunar, or deep-space missions.
• Experience developing remote sensing, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, or national security space systems.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS, Jama, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting spacecraft integration, launch campaigns, and mission operations.
• Familiarity with NASA, MIL-STD, ECSS, and aerospace development standards.
• Experience supporting proposal development and customer engagements.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance.

What We Offer

At Nova Solvers, you'll work alongside experienced engineers developing advanced technologies that support some of the most challenging missions in space and defense. We provide an environment where individuals can take ownership, contribute directly to mission success, and help build technologies that matter.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary: $170,000– $250,000 annually, based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.
• Performance-Based Incentive opportunities.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Paid company holidays.
• Work alongside industry-leading engineers developing advanced space and defense technologies.

Work Environment

This position is primarily onsite and involves system architecture development, technical leadership, customer engagement, integration support, and mission planning activities. Candidates should be comfortable working across engineering disciplines and interfacing directly with customers and stakeholders.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to lead the development of advanced spacecraft and mission systems that support next-generation sensing, autonomy, and national security capabilities. Your decisions will directly shape mission architectures, system performance, and program success.

Our Vision and Values

We believe that innovation happens when talented people are empowered to solve difficult problems. Our culture is built on technical excellence, integrity, ownership, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering solutions that matter.

We Care Deeply About

• Mission Success
• Technical Excellence
• Innovation and Continuous Learning
• Integrity and Accountability
• Teamwork and Respect
• Delivering Real-World Impact

Location

Torrance, California

This position is primarily onsite to support program execution, customer interaction, and spacecraft development activities.

Security & Export Control

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations, applicants must be (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. As a result, applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Nova Solvers is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace built on respect, collaboration, and inclusion. We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, and believe they strengthen our ability to innovate and solve complex challenges. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

How to Apply

Interested in joining our team? Click the Apply button to submit your resume for consideration