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Lead Space System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OffWorld

Lead Space Systems Engineer

Altadena, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

www.offworld.ai Lead Space Systems Engineer Full time position based in Altadena, CA OffWorld is a ... OffWorld'sfirst challenge is developing and maturing a modular robotic system ...

OffWorld

Lead Space Systems Engineer

Altadena, CA · On-site

www.offworld.ai Lead Space Systems Engineer Full time position based in Altadena, CA OffWorld is a ... Collaboratively synthesize top level system design concepts and architectures, perform trade ...

OffWorld

Lead Space Systems Engineer

Altadena, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

OffWorld'sfirst challenge is developing and maturing a modular robotic system ... OffWorld seeks a Lead Space Systems Engineer in Altadena, CA. The wage will be at least $120,827 ...

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How much do lead space system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead space system engineer in the United States is $199,327.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,000.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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Infographic showing various Lead Space System Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $199,327 per year, or $95.8 per hour.

Lead Space Systems Engineer

Altadena, CA • On-site

OffWorld
See more jobs at OffWorldexternal

$120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

www.offworld.ai
Lead Space Systems Engineer
Full time position based in Altadena, CA
OffWorld is a robotics startup working on developing amobilerobotic workforce for heavy industrial jobs on Earth, Moon, asteroids & Mars. OffWorld was founded by an experienced engineering team drawing on decades of tackling formidable engineering challenges at NASA, ESA,NOAA,MaxarTechnologies, CERN, Reaction Engines, SAFRAN, Surrey Satellites and Cisco.OffWorld'sfirst challenge is developing and maturing a modular robotic system forextremeenvironmentson Earth. Ourrobots willgo deeper underground and farthest on Earth than humans can,eliminate the need for humans to work in life-threatening environmentsin mining, construction, tunneling and other dangerousindustries,and dramatically reduce the environmental footprint and cost ofoperationsin key economies on Earth and beyond.
We have designed a modular robotic architecture that focuses on maximizing the commonality and reusability across components for fast deployment and optimization. Our robotic systems combine sensor information, cutting edge classical/machine learning (ML) algorithms and a robotics real-time system platform for control, decision making and execution.
OffWorld seeks a Lead Space Systems Engineer in Altadena, CA. The wage will be at least $120,827/year. Email your resume to [email protected].
In this role, you will be responsible for performing the lead systems engineering functions in the conception, design, and development of spaceborne systems operating in cis-lunar space. You will initially support the development, launch, commissioning, and operations of a CubeSat Program in Low Earth Orbit, with other projects to follow.
You will work with scientists, engineers, project managers, customers, vendors, end users and other stakeholders to identify, develop, and translate science goals and requirements into system requirements and specifications. You will also collaborate with scientists and other stakeholders to perform cost-benefit analysis between science goals and program cost.
You will have the opportunity to:
  • Collaboratively synthesize top level system design concepts and architectures, perform trade studies, and optimize the designs to meet goals and requirements within budget.
  • Propose, define, and lead Systems Engineering within CubeSat design reviews.
  • Perform life cycle engineering studies and analysis.
  • Perform system level validation and verification of instruments to ensure requirements compliance.
  • Perform risk identification, characterization, and mitigation efforts.
  • Verify the integrity of analyses performed by other engineers.
  • Use advanced statistical techniques to define and understand telescope and other instrumentation performance, as well as analyze uncertainties and risk.
  • Support efforts in technical requirements definition and tracking, system error budgets, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
  • Support project management and team in ensuring systems engineering tasks are completed in a timely manner.
  • Develop and document detailed test plans and procedures based on engineering specifications and requirements verification and validation compliance matrices.
  • Develop specific payload test plans tailored to GFSC-STD-7000 (GEVS).
  • Conduct and oversee testing efforts and participate in testing hands on as necessary.
  • Write test reports to document instrument performance.

To hit the ground running, you need:
  • BSc or MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • At least 5 years of professional experience in space systems engineering, as a Program Lead Systems Engineer.
  • Familiarity with a wide range of latest engineering technologies, including one or more of the following disciplines: software, electrical and mechatronics.
  • Experience in broad optical-mechanical design including some experience with spaceflight hardware and Cubesat.
  • Advanced knowledge of instrument alignment methodology and developing alignment fixturing & tooling.
  • Experience in articulating technical problems and formulating alternative solutions to engineering problems.
  • Practical hands-on laboratory experience using and working with optical tools and systems.
  • Advanced knowledge of design and testing for complex new systems that integrate into larger systems.
  • Experience in working as an effective member of a team of scientists and engineers, with an advanced capability to conduct engineering instrumentation design working in an independent manner as necessary.
  • Demonstrated experience in writing scientific instrumentation proposals, and in successfully publishing engineering results.
  • Proven ability to communicate effectively with Principal Investigators, scientific staff and fellow engineers.
  • Experience in anticipating and defining long-term impacts of design decisions, with the knowledge and skills to mitigate such impacts.
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks.
  • Experience in thermal analysis.
  • Ability and willingness to travel for project deployments, as necessary.
  • Excellent verbal and written/online communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and organize your work to meet deadlines. Comfortable multi-tasking/working on different projects concurrently.
  • Self-driven, passionate, and constantly pursuing knowledge and excellence.
  • Nothing-is-impossible attitude.

Expected Compensation:
  • $120,000 - $150,000/annual salary + stock awards + benefits

Our benefits package includes the following:
  • Robust medical plan offerings with 0 to limited paycheck deductions
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • Paternal Leave
  • 401K Match

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
OffWorld is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
OffWorld is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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