Space Systems Engineer
Katalyst Space Technologies
Katalyst Description:
At Katalyst we believe satellite owners and operators shouldn’t be stuck with outdated capabilities as they try to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. We are building the Upgrade Economy where satellites are reconfigured on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. We do this by adding new capabilities to satellites post-launch with in-space servicing, unlocking the ability to respond quickly in an unpredictable environment, open new revenue streams, and dispose of the single-use model.
You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:
- Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
- Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
- Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.
Role Description:
Our technology stands at the intersection of Space Domain Awareness (SDA), robotics, and in-space upgrades—core capabilities enabling the Upgrade Economy. Complex algorithm design is essential to unlocking this vision. This is the domain of GNC Engineers. You’ll primarily focus on the design, testing, and analysis of software algorithms for state estimation, sensor fusion, prediction, and optimization, which are central to our Space Domain Awareness (SDA) products. This role will also support the design of RPOD hardware.
If you have a background expertise in a relevant domain such as orbital mechanics, optimal control, spacecraft systems design, sensor fusion and navigation, and/or software development and you’re excited about making a big impact while leaning into collaboration—surrounded by Flagstaff’s Ponderosa pines—we’d love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
Architecture and Investigation
- Architect algorithm solutions necessary to accomplish space mission objectives around space domain awareness and RPOD with an emphasis on autonomy.
- Assess appropriate implementation techniques to achieve use case needs such as machine learning methods, physics-informed solutions, stochastic methods, Kalman Filters, etc
- Assist in proposal capture efforts with feasibility analysis and engage with private/public partners, Department of Defense, Other Government Agencies, and other commercial partnerships.
Algorithm Design
- Design algorithms, simulations, and tools using Python.
- Design algorithms for orbit determination and state and uncertainty propagation for cislunar astrodynamics and distributed systems.
- Design algorithms for space object characterization and attribution using SDA data.
- Analyze and source datasets for training and validation or algorithm performance
- Build and test modeling and simulation tools for orbital/cislunar dynamics, sensor modeling, and visualization.
Implementation
- Collaborate with the software team to implement algorithm architecture
- Support hardware-in-the-loop testing for integrated system validation.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical engineering discipline
- 3+ years of experience working on guidance, navigation, and control problem sets and algorithms in space industry
- Software development experience in Python
- Experience developing, debugging, and deploying software that has been used in real world applications/projects
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
Desired:
- Experience in orbital mechanics / astrodynamics
- Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Additional Requirements:
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Compensation and Benefits:
Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
