Sr. Space Mission Architect

Company: General Atomics
Location: San Diego
Posted on: May 12, 2025

Job Description:

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems. Whether a specific satellite for a specific mission or a constellation of interconnected spacecraft, the GA-EMS Space Systems team is re-defining how customers can access the possibilities of space. GA-EMS offers modular and scalable satellite platforms backed with a history of operational flight experience to support defense, civil, commercial, and academic mission requirements.

Our space systems team is looking for a Sr. Space Mission Architect to lead the technical definition and integration of our space systems. In this role the Space Mission Architect will be responsible for conceiving, designing, and planning complex space missions including space and ground elements, and coordinating with Strategic Development efforts to focus product development on emergent missions and determine industry partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead technical solutions for new business pursuits ensuring that space system architectures achieve customer mission requirements.
• Lead recurring meetings to establish cross architecture level trade studies and developing common interoperable solutions across the various mission space.
• Develop partnerships with payload providers to deliver cutting edge capabilities and new technologies to our customers.
• Interacts with senior internal and external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between organizations.
• Establish collaborative work relationships with peers to ensure synergy across space, ground, and launch.
• Lead and/or contribute to the conduct of program design and readiness reviews throughout the full lifecycle of complex systems.
• Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools, or similar, to generate and inform mission architectures. Products may include:
  • System Architecture development of complex systems and CONOPS development
  • System Trade studies and/or System modeling
  • Requirements and Interface Control Document (ICD) development
  • System Integration, Test and/or Verification
  • Design reviews, milestone reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, IRR, TRR, PSR
    We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
    Job Qualifications:
    • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; eighteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, sixteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or thirteen or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
    • Experience leading teams in the development of complex enterprise level system engineering products and the integration of systems-of-systems.
    • Expertise in satellite constellation establishment, maintenance and contingency resolution; simulation of attitude control system dynamics, satellite power systems and space environmental effects
    • Expertise in payload instrument design, construction and calibration; mission data analysis. Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective leadership interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
    • This position is based in San Diego, CA and will support engineering efforts across three locations: San Diego, CA; Englewood, CO; and Huntsville, AL. Travel to these sites will be required to provide technical leadership and oversight.
    • Travel is expected approximately 25% of the time.
    • Must have active Top Secret DoD clearance and be able to obtain and maintain TS/SCI security clearance.
      Salary:$140,940 - $252,293
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Keywords: General Atomics, Aliso Viejo , Sr. Space Mission Architect, Professions , San Diego, California