Sr. Director, Systems Engineering

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Clearance Requirement: Must have the ability to qualify and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Employment Type: Full-time

About Us

BlackVe, Inc. is a mission-first, dynamic, and innovative national security-focused company focused on emerging space and advanced technologies dedicated to pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence in support of our government customers.

Job Description

This Senior Director, Systems Engineering will manage and drive the company's systems engineering processes, workforce, and ultimate quality to customers. Contribute to the company’s proprietary designs and implementation to create cutting edge space systems utilizing novel technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Play a key role in design, analysis, integration, testing, and operation of our space systems.
Perform as a critical member of our Spacecraft Programs team by serving as a key technical authority on multiple spacecraft system.
Identify and lead work within a small and agile team on a broad set of tasks and ensure the highest quality product through all phases of the space element design, build, test and operations.
Actively collaborate across program management, engineering, assembly, test, and software.
Demonstrate personal ownership and accountability within the Spacecraft Programs Team to ensure successful execution and delivery.

Essential Job Functions

Leads, manages, and holds program systems engineering team accountable
Responsible for the technical quality of all segments of the space mission: ground, launch, and space
Lead the development of the space mission architecture and CONOPS in accordance with program, stakeholder and company goals
Ensure technical architecture satisfies program goals by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create and curate system requirements and verification plans across all technical disciplines: mechanical, electrical, guidance and control, propulsion, ground software, flight software, mission software, assembly, integration, test, launch, and mission operations
Ensure interface consistency across engineering, software, and assembly, integration, and test interfaces, curating all necessary systems engineering documentation
Enforce configuration control and document review policies and processes
Lead technical reviews and architecture/design trades
Develop and execute test plans to verify the functionality, performance, and safety of the spacecraft system.
Identify and manage technical risks in accordance with overall program risk posture
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team

Required Qualifications

Must have the ability to qualify and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
15+ Years of experience in a Systems Engineering role
Knowledge and experience across all space mission segments: Ground, Launch, Space
Knowledge and experience across the full spacecraft lifecycle from concept to disposal

Preferred Qualifications

Experience and deep knowledge of space systems and familiarity with spacecraft subsystems (e.g., attitude determination and control, propulsion, avionics) is necessary
10+ Years of experience in a space system Systems Engineering role
Strong understanding of applying systems engineering principles in a space systems context, including requirements management, technical risk identification and mitigation, leading design efforts in a schedule and cost constrained project
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
Strong technical leadership skills supporting junior engineering teams and integration with other internal engineering as well as programmatic teams

Location and Travel Requirements

This position is based in Albuquerque, NM, with occasional travel to other company locations or partner facilities as needed.

Why Join Us?

Mission first-Always. We prioritize delivering results that directly support space and intelligence community programs and national security objectives
We operate as one team, grounded in trust, accountability, and open collaboration, where individuals actively support one another to achieve shared mission success
Work on high-impact programs across space, ISR, and advanced technology domains supporting DoD and IC customers
Ownership-driven culture is founded in teamwork where every employee is an owner, with equity participation and a direct stake in our success
Competitive compensation and benefits package, including flexible time off; 401(k) with company contribution
Constant opportunities for program and professional impact

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(A)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to hiring@blackve.us.