Lead Systems Engineer – Team Leader

Job No: 503956
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Space Power Technologies - 250662
Pay Grade: R3 - Exempt
Advertised: October 13, 2026
Applications close: October 30, 2026

New ideas surround us, but only a few will change the world. We are building upon RPS design philosophies that have stood the test of time, and this is your opportunity to become part of a team that brings us one step closer. If you desire to create something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for UDRI.

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) Space Power Systems Office develops advanced power technologies that enable the next generation of space exploration missions. Working with sponsors including NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and commercial industry, our multidisciplinary teams research, design, prototype, test, and qualify novel space power systems capable of operating in some of the harshest environments ever encountered.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of advanced radioisotope power systems (RPS), space power architectures, thermal systems, and related aerospace technologies. This position requires a systems thinker capable of translating challenging customer objectives into technically sound, integrated solutions spanning concept development through prototype demonstration and qualification.

The position leads the Design, Assembly, and Test Team responsible for transforming digital engineering products into assembled, integrated, and qualified hardware while maintaining engineering configuration, quality, and technical integrity throughout the development lifecycle.

The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts involving systems engineering, digital engineering, mechanical design, analysis, qualification testing, and technology maturation. Working closely with government sponsors, industry partners, and internal engineering teams, the Senior Systems Engineer will define system architectures, manage technical risk, develop verification strategies, and ensure engineering decisions are supported by analytical and experimental evidence. Engineering decisions are expected to be supported through a combination of analysis, testing, and correlation, consistent with UDRI’s evidence-based engineering methodology.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to technologies that may enable future lunar exploration, planetary science missions, national security applications, and other pioneering aerospace programs. Success in this role requires intellectual curiosity, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in solving first-of-a-kind technical challenges where requirements may evolve as technologies mature.

• Lead multidisciplinary Design, Assembly, and Test teams through prototype fabrication, system integration, checkout, and qualification testing.
• Develop assembly strategies, manufacturing travelers, integration procedures, and test readiness documentation.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, safety, and project management personnel during hardware builds.
• Resolve technical issues encountered during fabrication, assembly, and testing while maintaining engineering configuration.
• Establish and maintain engineering configuration baselines throughout design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and qualification to ensure complete traceability between digital product definitions, hardware configurations, analyses, and test results.

• Balance schedule, technical…