Satellite Systems Engineer - GNC

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.

Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.

Position Summary:

Airbus U.S. is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Satellite System Integration and Test (SEIT) Engineer to develop solutions for satellite integration and test. We're looking for candidates who can bring exceptional engineering skills and strong experience in aerospace programs to the team.

Position Responsibilities:

The Systems Engineer will support the development and verification of Airbus U.S. satellite systems, contributing to software-, subsystem-, and system-level verification and validation activities. The engineer will develop verification strategies, test plans, procedures, and automated test scripts, and will execute and analyze tests across a range of satellite functions.

This role requires sufficient familiarity with GNC concepts to perform functional testing, evaluate expected behavior, and collaborate effectively with GNC and flight software teams. The engineer will support verification of GNC-related behaviors such as mode logic, control responses, and state transitions as part of broader SEIT responsibilities.

The Systems Engineer will execute moderate to complex assignments with increasing autonomy under the Systems Engineering Manager and senior Systems Engineers.

Mode & Control Law (MCL) / GNC Verification - 50%

• Support verification of the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) subsystem, including mode transitions, control responses, state behavior, and command sequencing.
• Develop and execute test procedures and automated test scripts focused on evaluating MCL functional behavior.
• Assess expected vs. observed control law performance and identify deviations or unexpected system responses.
• Collaborate with GNC, flight software, and simulation teams to understand expected subsystem behavior and resolve discrepancies.
• Analyze test data, identify anomalies specific to GNC behavior, and contribute to root-cause investigations.
• Document test results, verification evidence, and findings related to MCL/GNC functional testing.

Satellite Functional Verification & Validation - 30%

• Develop verification plans, test procedures, and test approaches across software-, subsystem-, and system-level functions.
• Execute broad functional validation activities outside GNC, supporting the verification of multiple satellite subsystems.
• Perform data analysis, document results, and generate required verification artifacts.
• Support cross-functional troubleshooting during integration and test events.
• Participate in planning and review sessions to align test coverage with program requirements.

Satellite System Architecture Development 20%

• Support system architecture trade studies and requirements updates as needed.
• Assist in refining functional specifications to align with evolving mission and customer needs.
• Contribute to system-level artifacts such as CONOPS updates, interface descriptions, and subsystem behavior documentation when required to support V&V and integration activities.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.
• Preferred: Master's in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 1 year with a Master's degree.
• Experience supporting verification and validation activities for software-, subsystem-, or system-level functions.
• Experience developing automated test scripts for functional or simulation-based testing.
• Familiarity with Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) concepts sufficient to support testing of mode logic, control responses, and state transitions.
• Experience participating in troubleshooting or anomaly investigations for software or system-level behaviors.
• Experience working across functional teams, such as software, GNC, systems, or integration teams.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Ability to understand and verify mode behavior, command sequencing, and state transitions.
• Ability to evaluate system responses and compare observed behavior against expected subsystem performance.
• Strong analytical skills, including interpreting test data and identifying anomalies.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes, including requirements decomposition, verification planning, and traceability.
• Ability to write clear test procedures, analyze results, and generate verification documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with GNC and flight software teams.
• Ability to perform moderate to complex assignments with increasing autonomy.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to take ownership of assigned test areas.

Preferred Technical Experience:

• Experience supporting verification activities for guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) subsystems, including mode logic, control responses, and state transitions.
• Experience working with simulation, software-in-the-loop (SWIL), or hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) environments to evaluate subsystem behavior.
• Experience performing data analysis for dynamic or control-system responses.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, TCL, MATLAB) to support automated testing or data reduction.
• Experience with modeling or simulation tools commonly used for system behavior analysis.
• Experience using command-and-control (C2) systems for sending commands, configuring software, or monitoring telemetry during verification workflows.

Preferred Test Engineering Capabilities:

• Ability to interpret control system outputs, telemetry, or algorithmic behavior to support validation.
• Experience contributing to verification matrices, validation scenarios, or subsystem test strategies.
• Strong troubleshooting skills applicable to dynamic system behavior, state logic discrepancies, or control-response anomalies.

Professional Skills:

• Ability to work effectively with GNC, flight software, and systems engineering teams.
• Strong communication skills for discussing expected vs. observed behavior across multiple disciplines.
• Demonstrated initiative and adaptability, with readiness to take on increasing responsibility within the integration and test workflow.

Travel Required:

• Periodic travel (less than 10%) to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies
• Occasional International travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts

Eligibility:

• US Citizenship is required

Clearance:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance
• Active DoD security clearance at Secret or above highly desirable

Physical Requirements:

• Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents.
• Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds including safety warnings or alarms.
• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment.
• Carrying: able to carry documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.
• Lifting: able to lift documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.
• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer.
• Squatting / Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items shelved on bottom shelves.
• Standing: able to stand for long periods of time.
• Walking: able to walk through office and outside areas including uneven surfaces.

Equal Opportunity:

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status.

As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

By submitting your resume or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to HR@airbusus.com.

Company Website: www.airbusus.com