Experienced Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer

Space Dynamics Laboratory; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) seeks an experienced Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer to define ground system architectures and coordinate engineering activities for satellite ground solutions. This senior role emphasizes leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and ability to guide teams across vendors and internal groups.

Applicants should have extensive systems engineering expertise, strong communication skills, and a proven track record with complex, high-risk programs in a

Qualifications

• 18+ years of applicable experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 16+ years with a master’s degree, or 12+ years with a PhD.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Mastery of systems engineering processes including requirements development, verification, risk management, interface control, configuration management, trade studies, and integration of agile development practices.

Responsibilities

• Provides systems engineering expertise and technical guidance to management, program managers, and customers regarding project feasibility, requirements, risks, and system impacts.
• Manages cross-functional engineering coordination across software, hardware, and support teams to ensure technical alignment, schedule execution, and compliance with program requirements.
• Manages system engineering activities including requirements development, system design and analysis, hardware and software integration, maintenance of technical baselines and program documentation, and verification and test.
• Proactively identifies technical and programmatic risks and develops robust mitigation and contingency strategies.
• Evaluates vendor and subcontractor capabilities to ensure delivered products and services satisfy system-level requirements.
• Supports proposal and business development activities through technical leadership, customer engagement, and coordination of engineering inputs.
• Works directly with the Government Customer daily.

Skills

Systems engineering leadership

Requirements management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication under pressure

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Job ID: 7984B Date Posted: August 31, 2026

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:

• Provides systems engineering expertise and technical guidance to management, program managers, and customers regarding project feasibility, technical approaches, requirements, risks, and system impacts
• Manages cross-functional engineering coordination across software, hardware, and support teams to ensure technical alignment, schedule execution, and compliance with program requirements
• Manages system engineering activities including requirements development, system design and analysis, hardware and software integration, maintenance of technical baselines and program documentation, and verification and test
• Proactively identifies technical and programmatic risks and develops robust mitigation and contingency strategies
• Evaluates vendor and subcontractor capabilities to ensure delivered products and services satisfy system-level requirements
• Supports proposal and business development activities through technical leadership, customer engagement, and coordination of engineering inputs.
• Works directly with the Government Customer daily

Required Qualifications:

• 18+ years of applicable experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 16+ years with a master’s degree, or 12+ years with a PhD
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Recognized systems engineering expert with broad knowledge across mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical, software, controls, and other engineering disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to lead and provide technical oversight for complex, high-risk engineering programs
• Demonstrated ability to apply strong analytical and systems-thinking skills to solve technical, cost, and schedule challenges
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively under pressure and maintain customer confidence in complex technical and programmatic environments
• Mastery of systems engineering processes including requirements development, verification, risk management, interface control, configuration management, trade studies, and integration of agile development practices
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to advise program managers, influence interdisciplinary teams, and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain technical baselines, produce high-quality engineering documentation, and provide accurate cost and schedule inputs
• Experience with satellite and ground systems
• Ability to travel as required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with national security Air Force, and Space Force, space and ground systems
• Experience with Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC)
• Experience with mission planning for government programs
• 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 - $225,000
  • 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 7 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 [e-mail].