Chief Mission Systems Engineer - Space - DE

About the role

The Chief Mission Systems Engineer will serve as the technical authority for the entire mission, providing leadership and expertise across all system segments of our reconnaissance satellite constellation. This role involves steering the design, integration, verification, and operation of the end-to-end mission architecture, including the satellite, launch, ground, and operations segments.

What you'll do

• Hold overall technical responsibility for the design, integration, and execution of the complete mission system, ensuring seamless cooperation between the space segment and various industry partners for ground, launch, and operations.
• Lead the development of the end-to-end mission architecture, ensuring all segments are cohesively integrated to meet the Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
• Translate high-level Customer and mission objectives into a unified set of system and segment-level requirements (for satellite, ground, launch, etc.).
• Define and manage the technical interfaces between the satellite, launch vehicle, ground network, and operations teams.
• Conduct in-depth, system-of-systems analysis, modelling, and simulation, including link budgets, data throughput analysis, latency studies, and operational concept validation.
• Lead the definition and maintenance of the Mission Concept of Operations (CONOPS) throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead and support mission-level technical reviews (Mission SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.) with both the Customer and industrial partners.
• Oversee the development and execution of test plans for system-level, end-to-end validation, including integrated ground/space tests and operational readiness campaigns.

What you'll need

• Extensive hands on experience in space systems engineering with high-level knowledge of satellite bus and payload subsystems.
• Demonstrated experience across multiple mission segments, such as ground systems, launch services, and satellite operations.
• Demonstrated experience in a technical leadership role, guiding multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with a proven ability to manage complex technical trade-offs.
• Proficiency in systems engineering principles, especially as applied to a "system-of-systems" environment.
• Experience in system-of-systems integration and end-to-end testing.
• Proficiency with engineering software and simulation tools (e.g., STK for orbital analysis, link budget tools, system modelling software).
• Must be eligible for and willing to undergo clearance process for a German "Ü2" Personal Security Clearance.

What they offer

• Competitive salary and stock options (ESOP)
• Occupational Pension and Disability Insurance
• Relocation support: up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation