Contract Space Systems Engineer

Introduction

With headquarters in Tromsø Norway Kongsberg Satellite Services AS (KSAT) supplies ground station services for satellite communications. KSAT is the worlds largest supplier of services for telemetry tracking and commanding (TT&C) and data acquisition from non-geostationary satellites.

Hyper is a strategic initiative by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) to redefine how space data is delivered secured and used. By extending the worlds most trusted ground station network into low Earth orbit Hyper is building a new layer of space infrastructure designed for speed resilience and sovereignty.

At its core Hyper enables near-real-time access to space data anywhere on Earth. By combining an orbiting relay capability with KSATs global ground network Hyper drastically reduces latency between satellite tasking data acquisition and decision-making. This capability is increasingly critical for applications where timing trust and availability matter including Earth observation climate monitoring security defense and commercial operations.

Hyper is not a single mission or a one-off system. It is a long-term infrastructure program designed to scale over time support multiple customers and mission types and integrate tightly with existing and future space first Hyper satellites are scheduled for launch in 2027 marking the transition from development to operations and the starting point for a broader constellation and service evolution in the years that follow.

Joining Hyper means contributing to the early build-out of a strategically important space capability working at the intersection of space systems communications and operations. The work is foundational technically demanding and mission-critical; it directly shapes how satellite services will be delivered at scale in the next decade.

Summary of Position

KSAT Inc is seeking an experienced engineer to serve as day-to-day technical coordination of satellite and payload development. The role ensures technical alignment between suppliers payload software and program management and that system decisions interfaces and changes are properly coordinated and is a hands-on execution role at the center of Hypers technical delivery.

The role will be local to the Greater Denver region.

This is a contract / 1099 position for the duration of the program hardware build and integration.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier & Manufacturer Follow-Up

• Act as technical interface toward the satellite manufacturer
• Perform regular on-premises follow-up reviews and working sessions
• Track technical progress issues and risks related to platform and payload integration

System Coordination & Interfaces

• Coordinate system-level topics across payload platform software and operations
• Maintain alignment across interfaces assumptions and dependencies
• Support interface definition and change control in collaboration with relevant leads

Documentation & Traceability

• Own and maintain system-level documentation including requirements interfaces decisions and change logs
• Ensure documentation remains current consistent and usable for reviews and operations

Program Support & Reporting

• Provide regular technical status updates to the Program Manager and General Manager
• Support trade-offs and impact assessments across cost schedule and performance
• Contribute to readiness reviews acceptance activities and demonstrations

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Systems Engineering Aerospace Engineering or related field
• 4 years of experience with satellite systems or satellite manufacturers
• Hands-on experience with supplier coordination and on-site technical follow-up
• Strong ability to structure document and follow up complex technical work

Advantageous Experience

• On-prem experience with satellite platform suppliers
• Familiarity with communications payloads
• Experience from demonstration or early operational missions

Personal Attributes

• Structured detail-oriented and technically grounded
• Comfortable operating at the center of complex technical interfaces
• Strong sense of ownership and follow-through

Joining the KSAT Team means:

• Opportunity to actively grow and directly contribute to the success of the space industry
• Experience in an international company with a global footprint and opportunities to work across cultures
• Engaging teammates: small team of dedicated A-class teammates. Being part of a nimble and passionate team (like a start-up) with the financial security and product technology readiness level of an established company the best of both worlds

Requirements

• Current US Citizenship
• Eligible to maintain a US DoD Security Clearance

Travel

• Travel is estimated at 10%
• Travel will be necessary to Tromsø Norway
• Travel to other global locations may be required on a case-by-case basis

Education and certifications

• Bachelors degree in engineering or other technical discipline: BSEE / ME preferred.
• Preferred: Masters degree in engineering or other technical field

Compensation

The target compensation range of this position is $125K-165K