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Mission Systems Engineer, MBSE

125k – 175kIrvine, CAEmbedded EngineeringOnsite5+ YOE
Summary

Develops and maintains SysML models for space mission architectures, ensuring traceability from ConOps to verification across full satellite lifecycle. Requires 5+ years systems engineering experience, hands-on MBSE tool expertise, and space/defense domain knowledge.

About the role

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain SysML models for space systems encompassing the full mission architecture, including spacecraft, payload, launch vehicle interfaces, ground systems, and mission operations.
  • Construct structured, hierarchical system models capturing mission objectives, system functions, behavioral flows, interface definitions, and physical architectures.
  • Maintain model traceability from mission-level ConOps through system requirements, design decisions, and verification methods.
  • Evolve models iteratively across all phases of the program lifecycle from concept through operations.
  • Define and model ground segment architecture including mission operations centers, ground station networks, flight dynamics systems, and data distribution infrastructure.
  • Capture and manage interface control data (ICDs) between the space and ground segments within the system model.
  • Evaluate and track risks, including fault trees, failure modes, and potential mitigation.
  • Interface with government customers, prime contractors, and subcontractors to align on MBSE approaches and data exchange formats.
  • Identify and document internal and external dependencies, such as vendor-provided systems or internal blockers from other teams across the program.
  • Directly engage with subcontractors on deliverables.
  • Assist in developing road maps and development plans for the systems engineering org and or specific programs or projects. Monitor progress in relation to milestones, manage action items, and highlight risks or blockers to stakeholders.
  • Develop and enforce MBSE style guides, profile usage standards, and modeling conventions across the program team.
  • Explore and implement model integrations with analysis tools, requirements management systems, and simulation environments.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in systems engineering on space, defense, or other complex engineered systems.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience developing SysML models using tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler (MagicDraw), Rhapsody, Sparx Enterprise Architect, or equivalent.
  • Working knowledge of systems engineering processes and standards, including NASA SE Handbook, INCOSE SE Handbook, or MIL-STD-499.
  • Experience with requirements management and bidirectional traceability between requirements and system models.
  • Familiarity with space mission architectures including satellite or spacecraft subsystems (ACS, power, C&DH, RF communications, propulsion).
  • Familiarity with ground segment architecture and components.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including non-modelers.
  • Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction.
  • Must be able to obtain a Secret and/or a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Previous experience across the entire life-cycle of a space mission, including gathering requirements, design, integration, testing, risk management, commissioning, and operating the space vehicle.
  • Hands-on experience with spacecraft integration, flatsat testing, or mission operations.
  • Experience architecting, designing and modeling ground segments.
  • Experience integrating MBSE models with simulation, analysis, or digital twin environments (e.g., AFSIM, STK, MATLAB/Simulink, or model-based verification frameworks).
  • Familiarity with Digital Engineering (DE) principles and initiatives including DoD Digital Engineering Strategy and NASA Digital Transformation efforts.
  • Experience with agile or iterative development methodologies applied to space systems programs.
  • A love for small fast-paced teams and fast-moving organizations.

Salary: $125,000 - $175,000 USD

Benefits: Competitive base salary and company stock, equity, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k), paid time off, professional development, team building activities.

Skills
SysMLCameo Systems ModelerMagicDrawRhapsodySparx Enterprise Architectrequirements managementNASA SE HandbookINCOSE SE Handbookspacecraft subsystemsground segment architectureMATLABSimulinkAFSIMSTK
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