We improve life on Earth with data from space.
Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.
As a Space Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the technical outcome of complex space missions. During mission contracting and requirements development, you may work with the sales engineering org to ensure mission requirements are valid and mission scope is adequately defined. Systems Engineers translate higher level requirements down to lower-level requirements, consulting and collaborating with discipline team-leads and subject matter experts where necessary.
You will be the overall technical lead responsible for “building the right thing” and “building it right”. This will include the management of system requirements, technical budgets, and sub-system interfaces. Your responsibility extends to ensuring there is sufficient verification and testing of the system, and you will take ownership of the technical performance outcomes for the mission. You will be the mission’s technical lead for both Spire-internal and external (customer, contractor, etc) teams, working collaboratively with others to resolve technical discrepancies in requirements, specifications, or system performance.
You will also act as the technical point of contact for Spire’s global customers during mission development phases and through on-orbit validation of the space systems, working with Spire project and program managers to provide effective communication where required.
Your knowledge and experience working across multiple technical disciplines will help you coordinate Spire’s technical efforts to ensure ultimate mission success.
Responsibilities of your role:
- Take overall technical ownership of Spire Space and/or Ground Systems from technical development through on-orbit verification; ensure that we are “building the right thing” and “building it right”.
- Lead requirements management for a given mission or program – including development, validation, verification, and change management.
- Lead technical risk management for a given mission or program – including identification, qualification, mitigation, and resolution.
- Develop top-level requirements and then flow-down to lower-level requirements, consulting and collaborating with discipline team-leads and subject matter experts where necessary.
- Serve as the primary Spire technical POC to customers and contractors – communicating and advocating on behalf of internal technical teams where necessary.
- Serve as the customer’s technical representative to Spire-internal teams – communicating and sometimes advocating for customer requirements, expectations, and experiences.
- Develop working knowledge of Spire’s satellite platforms, operations systems, and payloads (both Spire and customer-developed) – including customer APIs and software service interfaces.
- Proactively communicate to program/project managers where changes in scope, requirements, expected system performance, or development outcomes impact the mission.
- Develop, deliver, and maintain mission documentation required to support programs or missions, including both internal and external (customer- or contractor-facing) documentation.
- Support the sales engineering team in the development of technical concepts and budgets, feasibility assessments, requirements, scope, and documentation needed during the sales cycle.
Basic qualifications:
- BSc in Engineering, Computer Science, equivalent STEM-related subject, or equivalent work experience.
- 3+ years of experience working in a technical engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Controls, RF Communications, etc) or as a systems engineer for complex integrated systems.
- Comprehensive understanding of space systems, concepts of operations, and remote systems operation.
- For candidates in the US, must be able to meet authorization requirements to handle ITAR controlled information.
Preferred qualifications:
- 3+ years of experience as a space systems engineer working across engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Controls, Radio/Comms, etc)
- Experience developing or integrating RF and optical payloads.
- Experience participating in architecture and design of digital systems including ground station networks, data distribution and data processing systems, and spacecraft data handling systems
- Experience coordinating or leading diverse technical teams spanning multiple engineering disciplines and time zones
- Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with clients and effectively communicating with other members of cross-functional teams
- Strong comprehension skills to enable timely understanding of complex customer requirements and identification of thorough and sometimes unique solutions
- Experience in satellite mission design, development, and testing with a clear understanding of major mission design trades and scope drivers (power / payload duty cycle, communications systems / data budgets, ground stations, launch and environmental loads, EMI/EMC, thermal management, etc.)
Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in office.
Access to US export controlled software and/or technology may be required. #LI-DC1
The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Final base salary for this role will be based on the location, skills, experience and qualifications. In addition to base compensation, this role may be eligible for annual equity awards and our employee benefits program, including vacation, sick, and personal time off; optional medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; a 401(K) plan; health and wellness reimbursement program; and participation in Spire’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Salary Range
$130,500—$171,000 USD
Global Perks
️ Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
Launch Attendance
Generous Time Off Policy
Education Assistance Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
Family Leave
Fitness Reimbursement
Employee Referral Program
Healthy snacks & beverages in every office
Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.
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