Satellite Systems Engineer
About the role
About Starfish Space
Starfish Space provides satellite servicing missions with its Otter servicing vehicle, including life extension missions for geostationary satellites and disposal missions for low Earth orbit satellites. Founded in 2019, Starfish has raised over $150M in venture capital funding and built a team of engineers with experience spanning satellite guidance, navigation, control, and autonomous robotics. Starfish has launched several missions to-date, and is focused on delivering Otter satellite servicing missions for SES, the U.S. Space Force, the Space Development Agency, NASA, and others.
Position Description
Starfish developed the Otter satellite servicing vehicle to provide satellite life extension and end-of-life disposal services. These are ambitious missions which have never been done at scale in space. This position will support the continued refinement and delivery of Otter services to our customers, relying on knowledge of the space environment, satellite operations, and system design skills. This is a broad role, with responsibilities ranging from performance analysis, to systems engineering, to satellite integration and testing support.
Qualifications
- Must be a US person due to ITAR regulations (citizen, permanent resident, or designated asylee / refugee)
- Willing to work from Tukwila, Washington
- Capable of working a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment
- B.S. degree or equivalent in Aerospace Engineering or similar field
Desired Experience
- Previous experience designing and/or operating space systems
- Programming experience in Python
- Working knowledge of systems engineering
- Working knowledge of satellite components and technologies
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.
Where you can work
Fully remote, open only to people based in United States.
Copied from the listing Starfish Space published, verified 29 Oct 2026.
The application
Your details and CV, then 4 questions.
- 1.ITAR Eligibility Requirements: Starfish must comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Are you a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., proYes or no
- 2.Defense Contracts: Some of our important customers include the US Space Force and Space Development Agency; are you comfortable working on defense contracts?Yes or no
- 3.Work Location: We believe it's important to be in the same location regularly; are you comfortable working from Tukwila, WA? (Or other location as listed on job posting.)Yes or no
- 4.Startup Reality: Despite making some progress, as an early stage company we are unlikely to maximize your job security or salary; are you okay with that?Yes or no
Taken from the application form Starfish Space runs, verified 29 Oct 2026.
About Starfish Space
Satellite servicing spacecraft that dock with satellites in orbit.
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