Systems Engineer

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! We are seeking applicants for a mid‑level Systems Engineer to help manage software development projects that support the Space Development Agency’s PWSA with our Strategic & Military Space Division.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support.

• Provides subject‑matter expertise related to defense mission space and ground systems integration
  • This includes space‑ground and ground‑ground interface requirements, design, integration, testing, and operations
• Assesses system architecture, designs, implementation, and operations with focus on interoperability, verifiability, and end‑to‑end performance
• Drafts, develops, and/or provides input to ICDs, SOWs, test plans and procedures, Con Ops, architecture and systems descriptions, schedules, and various other engineering and programmatic documents
• Leads or has a key role in interface and IV&V related working groups focused on space‑to‑ground, ground network, cloud services, and other intra‑ and inter‑ground segment products
• Maintains strong communication on technical topics between working groups, integrated product teams, space system providers, ground system providers, and government program offices
• Leads government assessment of the ground system contractor’s integrated system validation and verification (end‑to‑end) test planning and execution
• Monitors systems testing and interface/end‑to‑end testing with the space vehicle vendors and mission partners
• Provides technical assessment of success of such testing and recommendations on acceptance of test results and disposition of deviations
• Provides decision support to government program managers and system leads on topics in areas of responsibility
• Supports program managers and lead systems engineers on a program in technical management of projects through tracking, risks, requirements, interfaces, configurations, and related tasks
• Designs and coordinates complex systems that involve interdisciplinary engineering
• Creates and maintains programmatic and technical documentation to ensure efficient planning and execution

• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active or previously held U.S. Government security clearance
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering or a related technical field and 10+ years of space systems engineering experience, preferably with deep knowledge in one or more space or ground subsystems
• Systems engineering experience with familiarity with space systems, ground systems, and space mission operations within government and commercial programs
• Ability to interpret customer‑driven requirements to determine areas of risk from a technical, cost, and schedule perspective
• Ability to respond resourcefully to new demands and challenges in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency in managing and prioritizing requirements development and verification, risks, interfaces, configurations, and trade studies
• Ability to work effectively both individually and within a team environment
• Strong attention to detail while still having a system‑level perspective
• Ability to anticipate ground‑space system integration and test risks and develop contingency plans to manage them
• Ability to relate well with outside customers and maintain good relationships under challenging circumstances
• Moderate travel to support SDA (approximately 6‑9 weeks a year)

• $114,500 – $210,000, salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

Benefits: SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.