Principal Systems Engineer
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Before you apply
Salary$140k – $205k
LocationGreater Denver Area, Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
Experience12+ yrs
DepartmentSystems Engineering
EquityIncluded
Company size51–200 people
PostedJun 30, 2026 · 4mo ago
Verified live1d ago
May no longer be actively hiring
Posted by the company on Jun 30, 202664% of this company's open roles have been listed for 90+ days
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline
12+ years of experience developing complex aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems
Demonstrated experience leading system architecture, requirements management, integration, verification, and validation activities for highly integrated hardware/software systems
Strong technical communication skills with the ability to influence engineers, program leaders, customers, and external stakeholders
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where ownership, initiative, and sound engineering judgment are essential
Experience developing spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, robotic, or other mission-critical aerospace systems through flight qualification and operational deployment
Proficiency with systems engineering tools and methodologies, including requirements management, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), trade studies, and technical risk management
Experience leading major design reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR, including customer-facing technical engagements
Familiarity with autonomy, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), mission operations, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), or on-orbit servicing missions
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Compliance with U.S. export laws and ITAR regulations
Skills
Systems Engineering
MBSE
Requirements Management
Trade Studies
Technical Risk Management
Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC)
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
Benefits
Stock options
Equity
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Unlimited PTO
Catered lunches
Relocation bonus
Discretionary bonuses
Katalyst Description:
Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.
Katalyst Culture:
Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. Oh, and we’re dog friendly!
Benefits:
•
Stock options & equity
•
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
•
401(k)
•
Unlimited PTO
•
Catered lunches
Responsibilities
•
What You’ll Do
•
Lead system architecture, requirements development, and technical execution for advanced robotic spacecraft from concept through flight operations.
•
Own the definition, allocation, and verification of system-level requirements across spacecraft subsystems, software, autonomy, and mission operations.
•
Drive cross-functional engineering efforts, balancing mission objectives, technical performance, schedule, cost, and risk to deliver successful spacecraft programs.
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Develop and maintain system models, interface definitions, trade studies, and technical baselines that guide design decisions throughout the product lifecycle.
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Create analyses, trade studies, and simulations to support technical and product development decisions.
What We’re Looking For
Required
•
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
•
12+ years of experience developing complex aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems.
•
Demonstrated experience leading system architecture, requirements management, integration, verification, and validation activities for highly integrated hardware/software systems.
•
Strong technical communication skills with the ability to influence engineers, program leaders, customers, and external stakeholders.
•
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where ownership, initiative, and sound engineering judgment are essential.
Your Ideal Background
Preferred
•
Experience developing spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, robotic, or other mission-critical aerospace systems through flight qualification and operational deployment.
•
Proficiency with systems engineering tools and methodologies, including requirements management, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), trade studies, and technical risk management.
•
Experience leading major design reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR, including customer-facing technical engagements.
•
Familiarity with autonomy, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), mission operations, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), or on-orbit servicing missions.
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. The anticipated salary range for this role is $140,000 - $205,000 annually.
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.
Legal
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.
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