We are seeking a Mission Definition Engineer to translate mission objectives into clear technical requirements, architectures, and executable plans. This role will work across engineering and program teams to define mission concepts, evaluate system requirements, and ensure technical solutions align with performance, reliability, and operational objectives.
Position Responsibilities
Mission Planning & Definition
- Define mission objectives, requirements, concepts of operations, and key performance criteria.
- Translate high-level mission goals into clear technical and system requirements.
- Develop mission concepts and evaluate alternative approaches.
- Support mission planning from early concept development through implementation.
Systems Engineering & Analysis
- Develop and maintain system-level requirements and technical documentation.
- Perform technical trade studies, feasibility assessments, and mission analyses.
- Identify system constraints, risks, dependencies, and performance considerations.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure mission requirements are technically achievable.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with systems, software, hardware, operations, and program management teams.
- Coordinate technical inputs and ensure alignment across engineering disciplines.
- Communicate complex technical concepts and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Support technical reviews and decision-making processes.
Risk Management & Continuous Improvement
- Identify and assess technical and mission risks.
- Develop mitigation strategies and support risk tracking throughout the mission lifecycle.
- Analyze mission performance and recommend improvements.
- Contribute to engineering standards, processes, and best practices.
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Significant experience in systems engineering, mission planning, aerospace, or a related technical discipline.
- Strong understanding of requirements development and systems engineering processes.
- Experience with technical analysis, modeling, trade studies, and system-level problem solving.
- Ability to translate complex mission objectives into actionable technical requirements.
- Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
- Experience working across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Ability to manage multiple technical priorities and make data-driven recommendations.
Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP).
- Project Management Professional (PMP).
- Systems Modeling Language (SysML) certification or training.
- Relevant aerospace or systems engineering certifications.
What the Role Offers
- Salary: $150,000–$200,000 annually
- Opportunity to contribute to complex mission definition and systems engineering initiatives.
- Exposure to advanced engineering, mission planning, and technical development.
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering and program teams.
- Opportunities for professional growth and technical leadership.
Why Mountain View?
Mountain View offers a strong technology and engineering environment with access to a highly skilled workforce and an established aerospace and advanced technology ecosystem. The area provides opportunities for engineers to contribute to complex technical programs, collaborate with innovative engineering teams, and work on mission-driven technology initiatives.