Senior Systems Engineer

Job ID: 4834

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking experienced and organized Spacecraft Systems Engineers for small satellite programs. Spacecraft Systems Engineers are responsible for the architecture, technical trades, risk tracking, requirements tracking, and the technical progress and execution of the satellite program. They must have the ability to understand the customer’s vision and work with the team to translate into a technical solution, work with program management to ensure technical requirements and performance are achieved, support interactions with customers, and provide technical support to related proposal efforts.

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. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

To effectively perform the responsibilities listed below, you will need an advanced understanding of systems engineering processes and demonstrated technical leadership skills on DoD space system acquisition programs.

• Works directly with the Project Manager (PM) as part of the management team and is responsible for all technical aspects of the project
• Leads medium to large spacecraft programs to execute systems engineering processes including mission engineering, requirements derivation and decomposition, system architecture development, trade studies, detailed design, interface definition and management, configuration management, system integration and testing, requirements verification and validation, and successful system transition to customers
• Must mitigate risks while ensuring requirements are satisfied and verified
• Coordinates with multiple engineering disciplines within SDL, as well as government and prime contractor teams, to ensure seamless subsystem integration across complex systems
• Proactively identifies technical problems through application of technical expertise and analysis
• Provides technical oversight of contractor requirements and development efforts
• Effectively communicates technical results, both verbally and in writing
• Assesses hardware and software designs for compliance with customer mission needs
• Leads technical design reviews, presenting complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
• Provides and reviews strategic cost and schedule inputs for Program or Proposal Managers
• Mentors junior-level Engineers and provides technical oversight to ensure project alignment with customer goals

• BS degree in a related technical field (e.g., aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering with coursework in space engineering)
• 10+ years of relevant spacecraft systems engineering or 8+ years with an advanced degree(s) in a related field
• Team lead/technical lead experience as a lead for a team of 3 minimum for at least 1 year
• Understanding of core systems engineering principles related to small satellite development, such as technical leadership, requirements management, configuration control, interface management, verification, etc.
• Experience understanding, developing, and creating system documentation (e.g., Specifications, ICDs and System Architecture documents)
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics, spacecraft requirements and subsystems design
• Familiarity with system verification and validation planning and execution
• Strong knowledge of trade studies and design analysis techniques
• Experience in establishing costs and schedules for engineering activities
• Experience with developing technical budgets for small satellites
• Understanding of Mission Assurance (MA) and Project Management roles and responsibilities
• Experience working with and leading cross-functional teams including software, hardware, test engineering, and Scientists on medium to large projects
• Ability to present complex technical concepts clearly and succinctly verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers and stakeholders
• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance
• Must be able to travel on occasion

• Experience performing systems engineering analysis and developing systems engineering products for DoD or government systems
• At least one full lifecycle of space systems lifecycle experience (may be accumulated through multiple projects)
• In-depth familiarity with small satellites (<150kg), system requirements, and subsystems
• Experience with AGI’s System Tool Kit (STK)
• Experience with space hardware development and testing
• Understanding of the space environment
• Understanding of risks and risk mitigations for spaceflight systems
• Experience in responding to proposals, Requests for Quote (RFQ), and Requests for Information (RFI)
• Technical mentorship experience
• Experience with practical MBSE for the development of technical specifications, interface control documents, and system architecture, including using digital engineering tools, such as Cameo or MagicDraw, SparxEA, or IBM rhapsody
• Active Top Secret US Government Security Clearance

• $116,000 - $160,000
  • Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [email protected].