ispace, inc.
Senior Systems Engineer
TLDR
Take ownership of the technical backbone of lunar landers, leading systems engineering efforts throughout the spacecraft lifecycle, from design through to mission completion.
At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.
With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.
Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.
As a Senior Systems Engineer at ispace US, you'll own the full technical backbone of lunar lander and satellite development — from requirements through verification, launch, and beyond. That means driving ConOps definition down to the subsystem level, maintaining technical budgets and interface control, and leading risk and reliability management across the entire spacecraft lifecycle. You'll chair technical reviews, lead dFMEAs, and own FDIR architecture — serving as the thread that holds every discipline together from PDR to flight. This is end-to-end systems ownership on missions that go to the Moon.
Key Responsibilities
Take ownership, lead, and coordinate: Requirements, V&V planning, Technical Budgets, Interfaces, Configuration Management, system-level analysis, trade studies, Risk Management, FDIR, failure, fault, and system reliability management through the entire life cycle of a spacecraft development program
Lead efforts across all disciplines in defining Lander ConOps down to subsystem level requirements
Lead and coordinate Techncal Reviews, dFMEAs and other failure and risk identification & mitigation activities throughout all phases of the life cycle
Lead and collaborate with functional and subsystem teams on systems engineering tasks, trade studies, and seeking opportunities to increase performance
Seeks feedback from interdisciplinary teams and experts to ensure program success.
Provide technical guidance and direction to the system and subsystem engineering teams
Mentor junior systems engineers and guide their technical & career development
Help expand the company systems engineering knowledge, provide systems learning opportunities to engineers from other disciplines
Lead the development and streamline best in class work processes for engineering and new product development in an agile, multidisciplinary environment
Involved in full product lifecycle, ensuring late-stage issues are addressed early in development
Lead and perform architecture trade studies and analysis that will influence the overall system design and performance
Support technical proposals for new business and mission opportunities
Identify and drive design or operational problems to resolution to facilitate reliable and successful operations and reduce technical risk
Identify and validate entry and exit criteria at key program lifecycle milestones
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent. We will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
Minimum of 8 years' spacecraft engineering experience with 4+ years in spacecraft systems engineering, ideally during several lifecycle phases and at spacecraft level
Deep understanding of systems engineering principles and their application in a fast-paced spacecraft development program
Cross functional, broad experience with several spacecraft and/or launch vehicle subsystems; including both hardware and software systems
Deep expertise in at least one spacecraft technical area (structures, thermal, mechanical, electrical, avionics, GNC, software, etc.)
Familiarity with engineering drawings and configuration management
What Makes You Stand Out!
Engineering Masters degree with emphasis on systems. We will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
Experience in defining requirements and verification plans for spacecraft systems
Extensive contributions to the development of a spacecraft, during multiple lifecycle phases
Extensive experience in integrated testing and change management
Experience performing FMECA, reliability analysis, and/or hazard analysis
Experience with common industry standards for spacecraft design, test and integration; including, but not limited to, NASA-STD-5001, NASA-STD-5012, NASA-STD-5017, NASA-STD-5020, SMC-S-005 & SMC-S-016
Experience working for Aerospace/Space Prime or sub-contractor strongly preferred
Experience in startup environment a plus
#LI-LH1
At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.
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 .here.
ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace 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 applicants who are offered employment with ispace US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.
ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.
ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.
Benefits
Equity Compensation
Participation in our stock option program.
Flexible Work Hours
Flexibility to work remotely and in-office, depending on your role and the stage of our program.
Free Meals & Snacks
Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café.
Health Insurance
Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.
Learning Budget
Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development.
Travel opportunities
Opportunities for domestic and international travel.
Paid Time Off
18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.
Remote-Friendly
Flexibility to work remotely and in-office, depending on your role and the stage of our program.
ispace, inc. is a lunar exploration company that develops micro robotic technology to facilitate transportation and resource mapping in space. Targeting the growing market for lunar development, ispace aims to create a new ecosystem between Earth and the Moon, establishing itself as the first publicly listed space startup in Japan.
- Founded
- Founded 2013
- Employees
- 51-200 employees
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Total raised
- $170M raised
Senior Systems Engineer