Job ID: 5596
Date Posted: November 26, 2025
The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer to develop, integrate, and test satellite ground system solutions. The successful candidate will play a key role in defining ground system architectures, coordinating interdisciplinary engineering efforts, managing requirements, risks, interfaces, and configurations, and ensuring cohesive technical execution across multiple teams. This senior position is ideal for candidates with deep systems engineering expertise, strong leadership and communication skills, and a proven ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams, resolve cross-cutting technical challenges, and drive successful program outcomes in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.
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
- Provide specialized expertise in critical business areas and advise management at the branch and division level on feasibility of new projects, systems, and technical approaches
- Support the government customer in daily interaction with high levels of professionalism
- Lead system-level design efforts and function as Project/Lead Engineer for major programs, directing and evaluating engineering activities across disciplines
- Develop, apply, and advance hardware and systems engineering methods, theories, and research techniques to solve complex technical problems
- Coordinate and integrate interdisciplinary engineering efforts across software, hardware, thermal, structural, optical, electrical, and related domains
- Define, develop, and manage interfaces between development teams to ensure consistent understanding, alignment, and technical integrity throughout development
- Gather system-level requirements, evaluate design alternatives, perform systems analysis, and decompose solutions into actionable engineering tasks
- Manage system development tasks including design, integration, verification, and formal testing
- Create, maintain, and lead documentation, processes, and technical baselines required for program planning, execution, and reviews
- Provide technical recommendations, corrections, and guidance on engineering approaches and analyses
- Review relevant literature, patents, and current practices to inform system development and maintain technical rigor
- Advise Program Managers on technical requirements, system impacts, and risks; serve as a technical interface with customers as needed
- Assist Program Managers in leading development teams, tracking risks, requirements, interfaces, configurations, and project performance
- Coordinate engineering and technical support staff to ensure deliverables meet requirements, comply with organizational standards, and remain on schedule and within budget
- Lead or support development of mission concepts of operations (CONOPS), operational uses, and system maneuver strategies
- Evaluate vendor and subcontractor capabilities to ensure delivered products and services satisfy system-level requirements
- Support or lead proposal efforts, including managing small projects, coordinating technical inputs, and developing long-term customer relationships
- Cultivate business development opportunities and maintain professional relationships with customers to secure follow-on work
- Present technical work at conferences or meetings as required
- Mentor mid-level and junior engineers, contributing to workforce development and improving organizational systems engineering capability
- Proactively identify technical and programmatic risks and develop robust mitigation and contingency strategies
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum bachelors degree in applicable field
- 18+ years of applicable experience with a bachelors degree, or 16+ years with a masters degree, or 12+ years with a PhD
- Must be a US citizen and have an active DoD Top Secret Security Clearance and be SAP eligible
- Must be a recognized systems engineering expert with broad knowledge across mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical, software, controls, and other engineering disciplines
- Ability to solve the organization's most complex issues and opportunities using rigorous logic, structured methods, and effective solutions
- Ability to provide technical oversight as Lead Systems Engineer on medium- to large-scale, high-complexity programs
- Ability to interpret complex customer requirements, understand system-level impacts, and evaluate technical, cost, and schedule risks
- Ability to serve as a technical adviser to Program Managers on proposals and in program execution for very large or very complex programs
- Ability to propose high-value technical solutions to management
- Mastery of systems engineering processes, including requirements development and verification, risk management, interface control, configuration management, and system trade studies
- Expansive knowledge of the business and history of engineering applications
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with a proven track record of adapting to new challenges and evolving program conditions
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences and maintain relationships under pressure
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence interdisciplinary engineering teams during design, integration, proposal development, and system reviews
- Experience mentoring and developing junior and mid-level engineers
- Proficiency in evaluating vendor and subcontractor capabilities to ensure delivered products meet system-level requirements
- Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain technical baselines, and provide accurate cost and schedule inputs
- Ability to produce high-quality engineering reports, documentation, design artifacts, and professional papers
- Strong system-level focus with attention to detail and awareness of mission objectives, operational context, and program constraints
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and systems engineering tools and analysis methods
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively while strengthening team performance
- Ability to travel as required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with Agile methodologies to define requirements and develop systems
- Experience with national security and Air Force space and ground systems
- Experience with Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC)
- Experience with mission planning for government programs
- Experience with ground systems including both software and hardware ground component functionality
- Knowledge of satellite communication protocols and standards
- Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices related to satellite operations
- Experience with satellite ground station equipment and connectivity, including antennas and RF systems
- Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and their integration with ground systems
*Salary Range
- $165,000 - $195,000
- Salary commensurate based on education and 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.
The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days. However, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.
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Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
Nov 27, 2025