Associate Systems Engineer

University of Dayton; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Dayton is seeking an early-career Systems Engineer to support development of space power systems and related aerospace technologies. You will participate in systems engineering, digital engineering, hardware integration, testing, and technology maturation with experienced engineers and sponsors such as NASA and DoD.

The role provides progressive experience across design, analysis, assembly, integration, and qualification activities, preparing you for increasing technical

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Systems Engineering or related field.
• At least two years of engineering experience.
• Familiarity with CAD software.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• U.S. citizen due to government contracts.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine system requirements, interfaces, verification methods, and technical documentation.
• Support system architecture and technical baseline maintenance.
• Participate in engineering trade studies and evaluations.
• Apply MBSE and digital engineering tools under mentorship.
• Assist in testing and data collection of prototype hardware.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Written & verbal communication

Teamwork

Clearance eligibility

Education

B.S. in Systems Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job No: 503957
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Space Power Technologies - 250662
Pay Grade: R1 - Exempt
Advertised: October 19, 2026
Applications close: October 30, 2026

Position Summary:

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 early-career Systems Engineer to support the development of advanced radioisotope power systems (RPS), spacecraft power architectures, thermal systems, and related aerospace technologies. Working alongside experienced engineers and scientists, the successful candidate will participate in systems engineering, digital engineering, hardware integration, testing, and technology maturation activities spanning concept development through prototype demonstration.

This position is intended to provide progressive experience across systems engineering, design, analysis, assembly, integration, and qualification activities, preparing engineers for increasing technical responsibility as they develop within the organization. It also provides an excellent opportunity to develop technical breadth across multiple engineering disciplines while contributing to pioneering aerospace programs supporting national security and space exploration.

Responsibilities:

Systems Engineering

• Assist in developing system requirements, interface definitions, verification methods, and technical documentation.
• Support development and maintenance of system architectures and technical baselines.
• Participate in engineering trade studies and technical evaluations.
• Apply systems engineering, MBSE, and digital engineering tools under senior engineer mentorship.

Engineering Analysis

• Support engineering analyses including structural, thermal, electrical, and reliability assessments.
• Assist in interpreting analysis results and documenting engineering recommendations.
• Support development of verification and validation plans.

Assembly, Integration & Test

• Support assembly, integration, checkout, and testing of prototype hardware.
• Assist in preparing test procedures, data packages, and technical documentation.
• Participate in laboratory testing and data collection.
• Help investigate technical issues identified during assembly and testing.

Customer Support

• Participate in technical meetings with government and industry sponsors.
• Prepare technical presentations and engineering documentation.
• Support proposal preparation and technical reports.

Professional Development

• Develop technical knowledge in systems engineering, spacecraft power systems, and qualification methodologies through mentoring and project experience.
• Continuously improve engineering skills through formal training and hands‑on project participation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• At least two years of engineering experience.
• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Internship, co‑op, undergraduate research, or graduate research experience.
• Exposure to systems engineering principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software.
• Exposure to MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar engineering software.
• Familiarity with model‑based systems engineering concepts.
• Experience participating in engineering design projects.
• Interest in aerospace systems, spacecraft, power systems, or energy technologies.

Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.

• Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater) 1