Systems Engineer

Catalyx Space seeks a skilled Systems Engineer to spearhead the definition, integration, and validation of spacecraft and reentry systems. This role demands close collaboration with specialized engineering teams, including propulsion, aerodynamics, thermal, mechanisms, structures, and avionics, to ensure the seamless operation of the vehicle as a cohesive system. You will leverage strong engineering problem-solving abilities to conduct system-level analyses, manage trade-offs, and establish realistic project timelines. Key responsibilities include developing Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), managing requirements, and ensuring operational readiness for mission success from design through flight.

Responsibilities:

• Own Requirements definition, flow down, and tracking across all subsystems.
• Develop and maintain system budgets (mass, power, ΔV, volume, stiffness, thermal margins).
• Define system-level interfaces (mechanical, thermal, electrical, fluid).
• Lead integration trades and architecture decisions, ensuring subsystem compatibility.
• Perform trade-off analyses to balance competing requirements across subsystems.
• Perform system-level analyses to validate architecture choices against mission requirements.
• Define and maintain CONOPS (Concept of Operations), aligning system design with mission objectives and operational constraints.
• Establish and maintain system-level timelines with awareness of technical risks and bottlenecks.
• Participate directly in design reviews (Preliminary, Critical, and Test Readiness).
• Define and own the system verification & validation (V&V) plan, ensuring test campaigns close requirements.
• Drive configuration management and PLM discipline across teams.
• Conduct and document FMECA (Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) for system reliability.
• Interface with regulatory partners (DGCA/FAA or equivalent) for system compliance.
• Collaborate with operations and GNC/Flight Dynamics teams to ensure vehicle performance meets mission design.
• Author and maintain system-level documents, including CONOPS, requirements docs, V&V plans, and system test plans.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering, or equivalent field.
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering or multi-disciplinary aerospace programs.
• Prior experience in managing space missions (concept design, integration, testing, and/or operations).
• Strong understanding of propulsion, structures, thermal, aerodynamics, mechanisms, and basic avionics (to manage system interfaces and integration).
• Hands-on experience in requirements flow down, interface control, trade studies, and system-level analyses.
• Ability to define and track mass, power, and ΔV budgets.
• Familiarity with system integration testing (vibration, TVAC, propulsion, aero/thermal).
• Proficiency in tools like STK, MATLAB, Python, and system modelling frameworks.
• Experience conducting or contributing to FMECA analyses.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience on spacecraft or reentry systems that have flown.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to step into technical challenges outside your core discipline.
• Experience with configuration management tools and PLM systems.
• Familiarity with safety and regulatory compliance in aerospace programs.
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to align diverse teams under one mission timeline.
• Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.