Systems Engineering Project Manager

Cambridge, Massachusetts | Hybrid | US Person Required

We’re supporting a leading astrophysics and space research organisation on a key hire for an upcoming NASA-backed spaceflight mission.

This is not a traditional project management role. The team is looking for a systems engineering-led profile who can help drive a mission through early lifecycle phases, balancing technical oversight, systems thinking, and programme execution within a lean, fast-moving environment.

The programme is a cost-constrained astrophysics mission entering a critical early phase, with major reviews and system definition activities underway over the next 6–12 months.

What they’re looking for

The ideal person will come from a spaceflight or satellite background and have a strong systems engineering foundation, combined with exposure to programme or project leadership responsibilities.

This could suit someone already operating as a Project Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, SEIT Lead, Payload Lead, or a Systems Engineer looking to step into a broader mission leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Support technical and programme execution across an active spaceflight mission
• Drive systems engineering activities including:
  • requirements definition and flow-down
  • interface management
  • risk identification and mitigation
  • trade studies and technical decision-making
• Support preparation for major programme reviews including SRR/MDR-style gates
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering and scientific teams
• Work closely with senior technical leadership, mission stakeholders, and external partners
• Help maintain alignment between mission objectives, technical execution, cost, and schedule

Required Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Astrophysics, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience within spaceflight, spacecraft, satellite, or aerospace systems
• Strong systems engineering experience across complex technical programmes
• Experience with:
  • requirements development
  • systems integration
  • formal technical/design reviews
  • cross-functional technical coordination
• Exposure to programme, project, or technical leadership responsibilities
• Excellent communication skills
• US Person status required

Strongly Preferred

• Small satellite or cost-constrained mission experience
• Scientific payload or instrumentation experience
• NASA, DoD, FFRDC, national lab, or research organisation experience
• Experience supporting SRR, PDR, CDR, MDR, or equivalent reviews
• Astrophysics or space science mission exposure
• Experience operating within lean engineering teams

Environment

• Mission-driven, highly technical team
• Lean organisation with significant ownership and visibility
• Strong balance between engineering depth and programme responsibility
• Opportunity to influence mission direction early in lifecycle

Compensation

Compensation is flexible depending on experience and fit, with strong benefits and long-term stability alongside the opportunity to work on a high-impact NASA mission.