Lead Systems Engineer

Akkodis is recruiting for a Lead Systems Engineer for a Space manufacturer in the Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA area. This is an onsite cotract to hire position with a pay range of $65 an hour to $125 an hour depending on education, experience and location. We are seeking a Staff or Principle Systems Engineer to join our team as a Lead Systems Engineer (LSE) in developing and integrating cutting-edge aerospace and defense systems. In this role you will play a critical role in defining, analyzing, and ensuring the successful implementation of mission requirements across complex, mission-critical space systems, supporting national defense initiatives, and advancing technologies in autonomous space operations. The Lead Systems Engineer (LSE) has ownership and responsibility over the requirements, verification, and validation (RV&V) efforts. The LSE is responsible for execution of day-to-day SE process, integration of MBSE and requirements tools, and leads gate review execution activities. The LSE oversees the daily activities, tasking, and prioritization of activities of program Systems Engineers. The LSE is for leading RV&V efforts, including requirements definition, decomposition, verification, and validation products. This includes products required to perform validation and verification not allocated to other teams, such as Test Plans. The LSE is responsible for guiding interface definition and leads mission and vehicle level gating reviews. The LSE has approving authority with the Chief Engineer for accepting hardware for vehicle integration. The LSE leads or delegates authority for Engineering Review Boards (ERB) and Failure Review Boards (FRBs).RESPONSIBILITIESThe Systems Engineering team supports multiple programs and disciplines. We are seeking talented, flexible engineers with varying skillsets. In addition to the roles above, as a member of this team, you may:Collaborate with customers, stakeholders, and internal teams to define and document mission objectives, system requirements, and operational concepts.Translate customer and mission needs into actionable engineering solutions, ensuring alignment with technical and programmatic constraints.Lead system trade studies, performance evaluations, and feasibility assessments to ensure optimal system architecture design.Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and customers.Develop system-level integration and verification plans, conducting end-to-end testing to validate mission requirements.Coordinate with subsystem teams to troubleshoot and resolve integration challenges, ensuring mission readiness.Support mission operations teams during testing and real-time mission execution.Conduct system performance analysis, including reliability, safety, and mission effectiveness, under various environmental conditions.Assess mission success criteria and operational risks and propose mitigation strategies.Identify and analyze mission risks related to complex space missions, including collision risks and operational uncertainties.Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans for safe and reliable mission execution.QUALIFICATIONSStaff level: 12+ years full lifecycle experience, including leading a vehicle through design, test, and verificationPrincipal level : 15+ years full lifecycle experience, including leading a vehicle through design, test, and verificationStrong technical leadership and systems architecture experienceProven leadership in design, analysis, and verification on a major aerospace programStrong analytical and communication skills, with ability to lead technical tradesDemonstrated ability to balance technical rigor with schedule and program realitiesStrong systems engineering and technical leadership background across mechanical, electrical, and software domainsStrong background in systems engineering practices: requirements, verification, trade studies, interface control, and failure analysisAbility to lead cross-functional technical teams and coordinate across hardware and software boundariesBachelors Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related fieldS. Citizen and eligible for DoD TS/SCI or TS/SAP U.S. government security clearance.PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCEAdvanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems EngineeringStrong track record leading cross-functional engineering teams and managing design-to-delivery cyclesDemonstrated expertise with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)Background in range certification, test readiness reviews, and safety boardsActive TS/SCI clearanceExperience in defense or classified space missions.If interested, forward resume to tina.johnsonkelley@akkodisgroup.com or michael.woods@akkodisgroup.com or click APPLY NOW.Pay Details: $65.00 to $125.00 per hourBenefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledMilitary connected talent encouraged to applyTo read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.akkodis.com/en/us/candidate-privacy-policyThe Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:The California Fair Chance ActLos Angeles City Fair Chance OrdinanceLos Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for EmployersSan Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance