Spacecraft Architect (Systems Engineer) (willing to consider all Levels)

At Redwire Space, we are Made for The Mission. We’re a team of dreamers and doers - people who push boundaries, embrace the unknown, and turn the impossible into the achievable. Every day is an opportunity to learn, innovate, and move humanity one step closer to a stronger presence in space.

Redwire Space Missions, LLC is searching for an exceptional Sr. Level Systems Engineer & Space Craft Architect to join our team in Littleton, CO and help architect the next generation of VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit) spacecraft. This is a high‑impact technical leadership role at the heart of cutting-edge mission design - where you’ll guide full‑lifecycle spacecraft development, shape system architecture, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in VLEO operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the technical vision - leading system architecture creation, requirements development, design, integration, test, and verification/validation from concept to operations.
• Lead mission-critical milestone reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR, ensuring the spacecraft technical baseline is strong, stable, and forward-looking.
• Own and shape spacecraft interfaces across component, subsystem, and system boundaries; manage ICDs and align cross-functional technical teams.
• Plan and execute technical reviews that solidify mission readiness and architectural integrity.
• Perform system-of-systems and architectural analyses to optimize spacecraft performance in unique VLEO environments.
• Guide the development of high-fidelity test assets - including simulations, models, analysis tools, testbeds, and GSE - for both hardware and software evaluation.
• Produce clear, authoritative technical documentation, policies, and procedures.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering technical excellence and a growth-oriented team culture.

Ideal Experience

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 10 or more years of relevant engineering experience in the space industry.
• Proven experience across the full space systems engineering lifecycle - from architecture and design through integration, test, and operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, guiding technical teams through complex, multi-disciplinary development.
• US citizenship with ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with NASA or DoD spacecraft testing: GEVS/SSC-S-016
• Experience with requirements tools such as JAMA or DOORS.
• Proficiency with Ansys STK for mission and system analysis. Background in MBSE approaches and tools.
• Hands-on experience in technical execution for spacecraft system development. Existing DoD clearance.
• Experience with Microsoft Project and Visio. Broad systems engineering knowledge spanning multiple subsystems.
• Direct experience working with sparse gas environments in VLEO conditions.

Pay Range

$140,000 – $204,000/yr.

How We Determine What We Pay (Compensation Philosophy)

Redwire determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for our locations throughout the US. We will evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index, in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and internal equity within the company for the same position. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

Redwire is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Redwire is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All offers of employment at Redwire are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and your ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US. Note that some positions will also require US citizenship or ability to obtain a security clearance due to requirements of a classified program.

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. Learn more about the ITAR Click Here

EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information, materials, or technology subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). To comply with these regulations, applicants may be asked to provide documentation to verify their status as a "U.S. person" as defined under the ITAR and EAR, or their eligibility to obtain any required U.S. Government export authorization. Redwire complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act, and does not discriminate on the basis of citizenship status or national origin except as required by law.