What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Systems Engineer - Spacecraft position at Approach Venture?
Senior Systems Engineer – Lead End-to-End Development of Next-Gen Space Infrastructure!
Opportunity Summary
A well-funded seed-stage aerospace startup is developing the first orbital power grid, an in-space energy network that delivers wireless power between satellites with no retrofitting required. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you’ll guide the full lifecycle development of space-to-space power beaming platforms, from concept architecture through mission ops. This is a rare opportunity to lead systems engineering for high-impact space infrastructure that will shape how spacecraft operate across low Earth orbit and beyond.
About Us
We're pioneering space-based power delivery with a scalable, solar-powered network designed to support commercial and government satellites. Our system transmits energy on demand, enabling satellites to operate with greater uptime, data throughput, and mission flexibility. By offering energy as a service, we're unlocking a new utility layer for space. Our founding team includes space veterans, physicists, and engineers with experience building and scaling next-gen technology across aerospace and defense.
Job Duties
- Lead the architecture, design, integration, and test of space-based power transmission systems
- Apply a multidisciplinary approach to develop and verify complex systems and subsystems
- Define system requirements, interface specifications, and technical baselines
- Collaborate across engineering teams to ensure compatibility of hardware, software, and operational needs
- Utilize MBSE practices and advanced modeling tools for design and documentation
- Manage full lifecycle systems engineering activities including SRR, PDR, and CDR readiness
- Create, maintain, and track requirements in modern systems engineering platforms
- Resolve cross-functional technical issues as the engineering SME
- Contribute to internal processes, documentation, and proposal development
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or related field)
- 10 years of systems engineering experience, preferably on complex space-based platforms
- Hands-on experience leading programs through key lifecycle reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
- Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies
- Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and act as a technical focal point
Preferred Experience
- Experience with NASA or DoD mission development frameworks
- Knowledge of requirements management systems and configuration control practices
- Ability to lead systems engineering within small, high-velocity teams
- Experience with performance analysis tools such as MATLAB or similar platforms
- Strong written and verbal communication skills across technical and executive stakeholders
- Prior work supporting proposals or customer engagements in space or defense markets
Security Clearance
- Must be able to obtain US Secret clearance.
Why Join Us
- Play a central role in building the world’s first orbital energy grid
- Solve complex, interdisciplinary challenges with a highly collaborative team
- Contribute to meaningful space infrastructure with real-world utility
- Fast-paced startup environment with real ownership and technical depth
- Equity options
- Medical, dental & vision coverage
- Flexible PTO policy
- 401(k)
- Career growth in a high-impact industry
- Mission-driven culture with strong backing from top-tier investors
Compensation Details
$125,000 - $175,000
Salary : $125,000 - $175,000
