Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

Phase Four is developing the next generation of in-space propulsion for the rapidly expanding space economy. From large constellations in low earth orbit to new missions and cutting-edge capabilities, our team is the key to mission success. We are focused, innovative and passionate about space.  

Join us at Phase Four as we design, build and deliver the next generation of in-space propulsion and change the way humanity moves in space. 

Job Summary: 

As a Senior Systems Engineer at Phase Four, you will be responsible for drafting, communicating, managing, and enforcing requirements at the system and subsystem level of Phase Four’s core product lines. A successful candidate at Phase Four will serve as the technical lead or system architect on several of the company’s internal, commercial, and government programs. A successful candidate for this role will also demonstrate leadership, integrity, empathy, technical acumen, a sense of collaboration, and a strong work ethic to support the team. This role requires candidate to be on-site at our Hawthorne, CA, location.

Core Responsibilities: 

• Manage the technical efforts on internal, commercial, and government programs from defining initial requirements and concepts to technology demonstration and delivery to the customer
• Manage key product ICDs and other critical technical documentation, manage subsystem interfaces and documents, assess system design margins
• Lead trade studies, concepts evaluation, and system sizing for future propulsion technologies and spacecraft mission applications
• Lead requirements definition for propulsion systems and subsystems
• Perform design, analysis, development engineering, and flight operations tasks for propulsion systems and subsystems
• Interact and manage engineers and technicians from all disciplines, including mechanical, fluids, electrical, ground support equipment, software, test and flight production
• Lead internal and external design reviews
• Act as the technical interface with internal (management, operations, product development teams) and external stakeholders (customers, subcontractors)
• Implement and maintain rigorous hardware and software verification and validation processes through practical application of automation and process controls

Minimum Qualifications / Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related field
• Over 5 years of direct design and development experience with mechanical or fluid systems in the space propulsion or satellite industry (liquid and/or electric)
• CAD proficiency (Solidworks preferred)
• Knowledge of GD&T application and analysis
• Knowledge in the use of FEA analysis tools (ANSYS preferred)
• Able to work with requirements management software (Flow, Jama, JIRA, etc.)
• Knowledge of spacecraft level system and subsystem requirements and standards

Preferred Qualifications / Skills: 

• Master’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related field
• Over 7 years of direct design and development experience with mechanical or fluid systems in the space propulsion or satellite industry (liquid and/or electric)
• Expert CAD skills (Solidworks preferred)
• Knowledge of GD&T application and analysis
• Adept in the use of FEA analysis tools (ANSYS preferred)
• Able to work with and train the team on requirements management software (Flow, Jama, JIRA, etc.)
• Subject matter expertise on spacecraft level system and subsystem requirements and standards
• Knowledge of plasma physics concepts
• Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, Excel, etc.)
• Experience managing or tasking a technical team
• Experience working with DoD and/or NASA program offices or labs
• Ability to develop and improve processes where they may not exist
• Ability to work on tight timelines and sprints

Salary Range 

• $155,000.00 - $185,000.00 per annum. 

Benefits:  

• Competitive salary and equity commensurate with the Los Angeles Aerospace industry. 

• Comprehensive health benefits (Medical, Dental, and Vision) with company contributions for both employees and dependents. 

• 401k with company matching incentive, eligible after your first 90 days of employment. 

• ~13 paid holidays annually. 

• Robust PTO and sick accrual policy. 

• More details on our policies can be found here: https://px.sequoia.com/phasefour 

Our Interview Process: 

We understand that interviewing is an art that takes time on both sides of the spectrum. Phase Four's interview process is as follows: 

1. Phone Interview with our Recruiting Team - 15-30 minutes - Where we learn about you, your experience, and what you're looking for in a new role, as well as give you a chance to learn about us, the role, and any questions you may have. If progressing to next step; 

1. Video Interview with the Hiring Manager - 30 minutes - This interview reviews the technical aspects of the role as well as your technical background. This is a great time for both you and the hiring manager to get more in depth about the expectations and technical mindset needed for the role. If progressing to next step; 

1. 'Challenge Question' + In-Person Interview - 90-120 minutes - You will be given a technical question to work through that relates to the role to present during the In-Person interview at our office. Also during this time, you'll get to meet our team, tour our facility, and see what we do at Phase Four!  If progressing to next step; 

1. Offer Stage! 

Notes: 

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 

• Phase Four is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.