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Flight Systems Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · Hybrid

$103K - $141K/yr

... flight characteristics, motion, and performance of missile systems • Familiarity with hard body heating of objects and their corresponding signatures representation Preferred Qualifications: • ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · Hybrid

$103K - $141K/yr

... flight characteristics, motion, and performance of missile systems • Familiarity with hard body heating of objects and their corresponding signatures representation Preferred Qualifications: • ...

Experience and familiarity with flight software desired Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Work with the program's Lead Systems Engineer to ensure compliance with design standards ...

The Flight Director leads the systems engineering activities required to define, develop, integrate, verify, and operate complex spacecraft and aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle.

The Flight Director leads the systems engineering activities required to define, develop, integrate, verify, and operate complex spacecraft and aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle.

The Flight Director leads the systems engineering activities required to define, develop, integrate, verify, and operate complex spacecraft and aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle.

Flight Director

Westminster, CO · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The Flight Director leads the systems engineering activities required to define, develop, integrate, verify, and operate complex spacecraft and aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle.

Showing results 41-60

Flight Systems Engineer information

What does a flight systems engineer do?

A Flight Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining the systems that ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft or spacecraft. This includes avionics, propulsion, navigation, communication, and control systems. They work closely with other engineers and teams to integrate various subsystems, troubleshoot issues, and ensure all systems meet safety and regulatory standards. Flight Systems Engineers are crucial in both the development and operation phases, ensuring that vehicles perform reliably throughout their lifecycle.

What are the typical challenges faced by a flight systems engineer when integrating new avionics technology into existing aircraft?

Flight Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new avionics systems and legacy aircraft components, adhering to rigorous safety and certification standards, and managing limited documentation for older systems. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including software developers, test engineers, and regulatory authorities—is essential to address these obstacles effectively. Success in this area requires strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and clear communication across departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, systems analysis, and flight dynamics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like MATLAB, Simulink, and flight simulation software, as well as knowledge of regulatory standards such as DO-178C, is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and address complex technical challenges. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of flight systems in demanding aerospace environments.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Flight Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Flight Systems Engineer job openings:

Chief Engineer, Hypersonic Missile and Interceptor

Berthoud, CO

$175K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Own and maintain the vehicle system architecture, technical baseline, and configuration for the Draper Engine Vehicle.

  • Lead vehicle-level systems engineering, including requirements flow-down, interface control, verification & validation (V&V), and configuration management.

  • Define and approve vehicle-level test strategies including ground testing, qualification, and flight test.


Job description

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. 


Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands. 

Role Overview

Ursa Major is seeking a Chief Engineer, Hypersonic Missile & Interceptor to serve as the technical authority and architectural owner for the Draper Engine Hypersonic program. This individual will be accountable for the end-to-end vehicle technical baseline, ensuring the successful integration of propulsion, structures, avionics, GNC, thermal, and mission systems into a flight-worthy, scalable vehicle solution.

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle—from requirements definition and trade studies through design, integration, test, and flight operations—while partnering closely with Program Management, Manufacturing, Mission Assurance, and Business Development. This role is critical to delivering reliable, high-performance systems to government and commercial customers on aggressive schedules.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Authority & Architecture

  • Own and maintain the vehicle system architecture, technical baseline, and configuration for the Draper Engine Vehicle.
  • Serve as the final technical decision authority for vehicle-level design trades, requirements allocation, and risk acceptance.
  • Ensure propulsion (Draper engine) is fully integrated into the vehicle system with appropriate margins, interfaces, and operational envelopes.

Systems Engineering & Integration

  • Lead vehicle-level systems engineering, including requirements flow-down, interface control, verification & validation (V&V), and configuration management.
  • Oversee cross-disciplinary integration across:
    • Propulsion
    • Structures & airframe
    • GNC
    • Avionics & software
    • Thermal & TPS
    • Mission & flight systems
  • Chair technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR.

Program Execution Support

  • Partner with Program Management to balance performance, cost, schedule, and risk.
  • Support proposal efforts, customer technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and design reviews with government and commercial customers.
  • Identify technical risks early and lead mitigation plans through test, analysis, or design iteration.

Test, Qualification & Flight Readiness

  • Define and approve vehicle-level test strategies including ground testing, qualification, and flight test.
  • Ensure data-driven decisions using analysis, modeling, and test results.
  • Provide technical sign-off for vehicle readiness and flight authorization.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to subsystem leads and senior engineers.
  • Foster a culture of engineering rigor, accountability, and rapid execution.
  • Help scale engineering processes and standards as programs mature.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master's or PhD strongly preferred).
  • 12+ years of experience in aerospace vehicle development, including system-level ownership.
  • Prior experience serving as a Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, or Vehicle Architect on a flight vehicle or missile system.
  • Deep understanding of propulsion integration, vehicle dynamics, and system trades.
  • Demonstrated experience leading vehicles through design reviews, test campaigns, and flight readiness.
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex technical decisions to executive leadership and customers.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and company priorities along with daily firefighting
  • Ability to make sound technical decisions under schedule and performance pressure
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
  • Experience with hypersonic vehicles, missiles, launch vehicles, or advanced propulsion systems.
  • Familiarity with thermal, structural, and aero integration challenges in hypersonic regimes
  • Experience in design and analysis of fluids systems
  • Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
  • Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements
  • Background working with DoD, DARPA, or classified programs.
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools.
  • Experience scaling a vehicle program from prototype to production.
  • Active or ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $175,000 - $230,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. 

Classification: Full-time Exempt

Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)

  • Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
  • Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
  • Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
  • Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
  • EAP Program
  • Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
  • Equity Grants in the Company

How To Apply: 
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.


NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
 
Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).
 
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. 
 
We're an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
 
No outside recruiters, please.