Senior Space Systems Engineer

katalyst

Broomfield, Colorado, United States · Broomfield · United States

Posted May 6, 2026

Other
Systems Engineering

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Job description

Katalyst Description:

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

Overview

As a Senior Space Systems Engineer, you’ll play a key role in developing cohesive system architectures and ensuring the effective integration of spacecraft subsystems to meet mission objectives. This position is a Senior Space Systems Engineering role, focused on the engineering of space systems, rather than a systems engineer for space. We’re looking for someone with a deep understanding of how complex subsystems interact and impact overall system performance.  

What You’ll Do

Oversee and perform system-wide architecture design, ensuring subsystems function cohesively and meet overarching system goals
Lead detailed technical efforts and spearhead trade studies of space system architectures
Identify and address gaps between requirements and top-level objectives, constraining broad problems and decomposing them into actionable tasks to implement solutions
Support the sourcing and selection of key suppliers, components, and technologies
Integrate spacecraft components, ensuring cohesive system functionality and compatibility across all subsystems
Define Key Performance Parameters, select quantifiable metrics, and determine modeling approaches to directly address and answer key design questions in physics-based modeling and simulation efforts
Lead small multi-discipline teams on spacecraft design, space mission design, and R&D projects
Assist proposal capture efforts, including private/public, DoD, OGA, and other commercial partnerships
Conduct comprehensive system analyses, including risk assessments, reliability analyses, and trade studies to optimize system performance
Participate in design reviews, ensuring that designs meet mission requirements, are feasible, and incorporate best practices
Support hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate integrated system performance in simulated operational environments 
Provide technical guidance to junior engineers

Your Ideal Background

Required

Bachelor’s degree in a technical engineering discipline
5+ years of experience working on satellite systems with direct involvement in flight programs and the entire Validation and Verification chain
Ability to define and lay out solutions to ambiguous problems
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction 
Expertise in the space environment, commercial space operations, and/or robotics

Preferred

Direct involvement in flight operations or launch campaign  
Hardware Validation and Verification experience 
Proficiency with Python, Matlab, STK, Ansys, and/or JAMA 
Experience in orbital mechanics / astrodynamics 
Experience in Space Domain Awareness, RPOD, or Robotics

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.