Senior Space Systems Engineer

ETH Zürich • Zürich • vor 2Tg

ETH Zurich | Space is dedicated to advancing space activities both within ETH and in collaboration with external stakeholders. Our mission is to position ETH Zurich as Europe's leading institution in space research and education, while also being recognized as a premier partner for space-related projects within Switzerland and globally. Founded in 2022, ETH Zurich | Space has been under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen since 2023. We are committed to driving technological advancements, shaping future policies, and inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

Project background

ETH Zurich | Space is building the "Project Hub" and "π Innovation Hub" - two complementary units that together provide centralized expertise for space mission development. The Project Hub supports ETH-led missions and technology programs with systems engineering, project management, and PA/QA capabilities. The Innovation Hub accelerates early-stage, high-risk concepts, helping researchers prototype, evaluate, and transition promising ideas toward implementation. Working across both hubs, this position bridges mission formulation and execution, ensuring technical continuity from concept to flight.

Job description

For the above-mentioned project(s), you will take the role of senior study lead and systems engineer and be responsible for leading concept studies and contributing to their execution. You will closely interact with scientists involved in specific mission proposals and who can provide requirements and input for those space missions. Moreover, they also provide input on relevant technologies needed to carry out scientific measurements. You will further interact with colleagues from ETH Zurich | Space who have vast experience in the space industry and in the Swiss space ecosystem. Additional support from students and/or external partners is envisioned and needs to be established in coordination with the project leadership team.

As part of your role, you will:

Manage system requirements, specifications, and interface control documents.
Develop concepts for mission architecture, such as launch, spacecraft/payload design, and ground segment.
Optimize the balance between scientific return, technology readiness, and mission feasibility while coordinating with the project manager to align schedule and cost.
Lead system-level architecture, design trades, and interface definition for planetary and astrophysics missions, spanning optical instruments, spacecraft systems, and Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) architectures.
Drive mission development from concept through system integration, including trajectory analysis, GNC performance trades, and integration of sensors, actuators, and thermal protection subsystems, as well as verification and validation of flight hardware and software.
Oversee, plan, and document the manufacturing, assembly, and integration of space systems and subsystems to meet performance and reliability standards.
Establish additional support from students and external partners in coordination with the project leadership team.
Develop and execute test plans and procedures, including environmental testing and validation. This includes managing non-conformances and coordinating respective review boards.
Define and maintain system-level budgets (mass, power, thermal, data) and ensure consistency across subsystems.
Identify and manage technical risks, maintain configuration control, and ensure traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
Plan, document, and lead system engineering activities and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.) in coordination with project management.
Support early-stage concept formulation within the π Innovation Hub, contributing to feasibility studies, prototyping, and transition of successful concepts into structured mission development within the Project Hub.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers and student teams involved in early-stage and mission design activities.

Profile

You have a background in space mission engineering and architecture development or comparable expertise with space systems. Experience working in an international setting is a bonus. Above all, you should have a passion for learning and a curiosity for understanding how things work, enjoy taking responsibility, be proactive, and work goal-oriented.

We are looking for someone with:

Master's degree or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields.
Over 15 years of experience in spacecraft systems engineering for planetary and astrophysics missions, with significant expertise in EDL systems, trajectory design, and GNC integration for NASA flight projects.
Proven record in leading complex payload and telescope system designs, from optical instruments to precision scientific subsystems for international missions.
Experience leading system-level design reviews and requirements verification across multiple flight programs.
Proven experience in the design, development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of space systems and subsystems.
The ability to conduct system-level analysis and trade studies to inform design decisions.
In-depth understanding of space mission requirements, space systems engineering principles, and lifecycle processes.
Strong organizational and coordination skills to manage and balance project priorities, timelines, and resources.
Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with international partners (NASA, ESA, and academia).

Additionally, the following characteristics are a plus:

Experience working in an international or multidisciplinary environment.
Knowledge of industry standards and best practices for space systems engineering.
Experience in early-stage space mission development.
Awareness of the Swiss and European space ecosystem, including OEMs, industry contractors, and academic partners.
Hands-on experience in mission operations support and data analysis for planetary or astrophysical missions.

We offer

A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the leading technical universities in the world.
A motivated team of people sharing a passion for space and the vision to strengthen and enhance space research and activities at ETH Zurich.
An opportunity to help shape space missions from the very beginning - from concept to execution.

> Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .