Senior Spacecraft Command & Data Handling Engineer

Location: Remote, Nationwide

Our client is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Command & Data Handling Engineer to take technical ownership of critical spacecraft systems supporting an active satellite fleet. This is a rare opportunity to work across multiple generations of spacecraft, helping sustain proven assets in orbit while supporting newer platforms and the evolution of future mission capabilities. The engineer in this position will become a key technical resource for command and data handling, with direct influence on spacecraft health, anomaly recovery, mission operations, and the transfer of critical systems knowledge.

This position is designed for a seasoned spacecraft engineer who understands the complete information path through a satellite. The right candidate will be equally comfortable discussing onboard computers, hardware interfaces, flight software, data buses, telemetry, commanding, and ground interactions, then applying that knowledge when a spacecraft behaves unexpectedly on orbit.

This Role Offers:

• High visibility and meaningful technical ownership of command and data handling systems supporting an active spacecraft fleet.
• Direct involvement in real mission operations, with the opportunity to see the on-orbit impact of engineering decisions.
• Exposure to multiple generations of spacecraft, from established assets to newer satellites and future platform architectures.
• A collaborative, technically driven environment with opportunities to inherit critical systems knowledge and help shape support for next-generation spacecraft.

Focus:

• Own technical stewardship of spacecraft command and data handling across legacy, current, and emerging satellite platforms.
• Evaluate spacecraft health and data flow by connecting telemetry behavior with onboard computing, flight software, hardware interfaces, and ground interactions.
• Lead engineering investigations for on-orbit anomalies, isolate likely fault domains, and develop technically sound recovery approaches.
• Translate engineering conclusions into clear commanding requests, operational procedures, and contingency actions for mission controllers.
• Analyze telemetry patterns over varying timeframes to detect performance changes, system irregularities, and potential threats to spacecraft uptime.
• Improve mission support through practical tools, scripts, procedures, and automation that make spacecraft and ground operations more efficient.
• Support evolving onboard algorithms and software environments while helping bridge established spacecraft designs with newer architectures.
• Partner closely with spacecraft engineering and operations specialists during routine activities, commissioning, anomalies, and occasional off-hours response.

Skill Set:

• Senior spacecraft or satellite systems engineering experience with substantial depth in command and data handling or onboard avionics architecture.
• Strong knowledge of how onboard computers interface with spacecraft equipment, subsystems, flight software, data buses, telemetry, commanding, and ground systems.
• Hands-on background investigating operational spacecraft issues, interpreting system data to determine whether problems originate with the vehicle or supporting ground infrastructure.
• Ability to direct or guide operational teams through spacecraft commanding, contingency procedures, and recovery activities.
• Experience with LEO spacecraft is strongly valued, with transferable GEO or other flight-system expertise considered when the systems foundation is strong.
• Working familiarity with spacecraft software environments. Familiarity with scripting and programming tools used to support technical operations, with exposure to multiple development languages considered valuable.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in electrical, computer, aerospace, mechanical, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• U.S.-based U.S. Person under applicable export-control requirements, with availability for occasional urgent or off-hours spacecraft anomaly support.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS