Jobs and Careers
SC
Senior Spacecraft AI&T Systems Engineer
Schmidt SciencesUnited Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 24 Feb 2026
About the role
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Spacecraft Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) Systems Engineer to lead the integration, verification, and test campaign for a next-generation space observatory. In this role, you will collaborate with world-class scientists—including Nobel Prize laureates—as well as engineers and global partners to develop cutting-edge space observatories that enable groundbreaking astrophysical discoveries.
You will oversee the instrument, telescope, and spacecraft bus integration activities across partners, while directly owning and executing the spacecraft-level integration of the payload with the bus. You will define and execute the AI&T plan, integration flows, verification strategy, and test campaigns—ensuring the integrated observatory meets all functional, environmental, and performance requirements.
As a key technical leader, you will work across the telescope, instrument, and bus teams and their subsystems (optics, avionics, software, mechanical, thermal, GN&C, power, etc.), as well as mission operations, to ensure smooth integration and end-to-end functionality.
This role requires strong cross-functional communication, excellent technical judgment, and the ability to execute complex integration activities in fast-paced environments.
Key Responsibilities for this role include the following:
AI&T Planning & System Integration
- Define and execute the spacecraft AI&T plan, integration sequences, and verification strategy.
- Oversee the integration of the instrument, telescope, and bus at vendor facilities.
- Own and execute the spacecraft-level integration of the payload with the spacecraft bus.
Verification & Test Execution
- Develop system-level verification plans (VCD/VCM), test procedures, and pass/fail criteria.
- Lead functional, performance, environmental (TVAC, vibe, acoustic), and EMC testing.
- Coordinate flatsat testing and hardware–software integration with avionics, GN&C, and FSW teams.
Testbeds, GSE & Infrastructure
- Define requirements for testbeds, flatsats, simulators, and EGSE/MGSE.
- Ensure ground support systems and test setups meet spacecraft and payload needs.
- Manage configuration control across hardware, software loads, harnessing, and integration setups.
Interfaces, Requirements & Traceability
- Develop AI&T requirements, integration constraints, and verification methods.
- Maintain traceability across spacecraft requirements, integration steps, and test results.
- Ensure consistency across internal and external ICDs.
Vendor & Partner Coordination
- Coordinate integration activities with spacecraft bus vendors, telescope/instrument teams, and test facilities.
- Review vendor integration flows, readiness artifacts, and verification outputs.
- Support major reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, ORR).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with systems engineering, bus, telescope, payload, and mission operations teams.
- Support anomaly investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
- Communicate risks, AI&T status, and technical findings clearly to leadership and partners.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in spacecraft AI&T, system integration, or verification.
- Experience integrating spacecraft subsystems or payloads (avionics, optics, instruments, power, GN&C).
- Familiarity with environmental testing (vibration, TVAC, EMC).
- Experience developing test plans, procedures, and integration flows.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft architectures and subsystem interfaces.
- Ability to work hands-on in cleanroom/test environments and coordinate across multiple teams.
- Excellent communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of spacecraft AI&T or system-level verification experience.
- Experience integrating telescopes or complex scientific payloads.
- Experience with flatsats, simulators, and hardware–software integration.
- Familiarity with verification standards and best practices.
- Experience with configuration management and test automation.
- Passion for space systems and advanced scientific missions.
This is an exempt position.
This role requires access to U.S.
Apply for this role
Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.
Apply Now →Generate Application KitFree account required — sign up in 30s