Space Systems Engineer – Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

Raptor Dynamix is seeking a Space Systems Engineer with a strong background in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) to support the design, integration, and deployment of next-generation space sensing and analytics systems.

This role sits at the intersection of space mission engineering, sensing, software, and AI-enabled analytics, and is ideal for someone who understands how space systems operate in real missions—tracking objects, characterizing behavior, and enabling operational decision-making.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience working on space systems or SDA-related programs.
• Working knowledge of space missions, satellite systems, and ground segments.
• Experience with SDA concepts such as space object tracking, cataloging, or characterization.
• Strong systems thinking and documentation skills.

Clearance Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.

• Experience supporting DoD, Space Force, or intelligence community space programs.
• Familiarity with optical/RF sensors, orbit analysis tools, or space surveillance systems.
• Experience with modeling & simulation or mission analysis tools.
• Exposure to AI/ML applications in space or ISR contexts.
• Experience in startup, rapid-prototyping, or small-team environments.

The ideal candidate is capable, motivated, and willing to learn and grow as the position evolves. As a Space Systems Engineer – Space Domain Awareness (SDA), you must be able to:

Space Systems Engineering

• Perform end-to-end systems engineering for SDA solutions across space, ground, and hybrid architectures.
• Translate mission needs and CONOPS into technical requirements, architectures, and interfaces.
• Support spacecraft, payload, and ground system integration efforts.
• Develop and maintain system diagrams, ICDs, trade studies, and requirements matrices.

Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

• Contribute to SDA mission design including detection, tracking, characterization, and anomaly assessment.
• Support architectures involving optical, RF, radar, or hybrid sensing for space object observation.
• Assist with orbit determination concepts, sensor tasking, data fusion, and analytics pipelines.
• Collaborate on techniques for behavioral analysis, change detection, and threat identification in the space domain.

Autonomy & Analytics Integration

• Work closely with AI/ML teams to integrate on-orbit or ground-based analytics into SDA workflows.
• Support deployment of edge or near-edge processing for space applications.
• Help define data flows, latency requirements, and operational constraints for autonomous or semi-autonomous systems.

Program & Customer

Support

•  Support government and commercial customers in technical discussions and design reviews.
•  Contribute to SBIR/STTRs, OTAs, and proposal technical volumes related to SDA and space systems.
•  Participate in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and mission readiness activities.

Please note this list is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pay: $115,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person