Mission Engineer - Software SME

Space Dynamics Laboratory; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 133,000 - 226,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory is seeking a mid-level Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA. The role focuses on managing software development projects that support crucial missions within the Strategic & Military Space Division.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in systems engineering, strong leadership abilities, and the communication skills necessary to direct technical teams. SDL offers a competitive salary range of $133,000 - $226,000 based on qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active or previously held U.S. Government security clearance.
• 10+ years of combined software engineering and systems engineering experience.
• Experience in systems engineering with familiarity with satellite bus architectures.

Responsibilities

• Support program managers and lead systems engineers in technical management of projects.
• Design and coordinate complex systems involving interdisciplinary engineering.
• Create and maintain programmatic and technical documentation.

Skills

Interdisciplinary technical leadership

Software development lifecycle

Communications skills

Requirements management

Technical oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field

Job description

Job ID: 8319B

Date Posted: June 6, 2026

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you will contribute to groundbreaking innovations. We are seeking a mid-level Systems Engineer to help manage software development projects that support the Space Development Agency’s PWSA within 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. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to the nation’s defense capabilities.

Location

Huntsville, AL preferred but other locations are considered. This advertisement is for Chantilly, VA. The same position is offered in Huntsville, AL, or North Logan, UT.

Key Responsibilities

• Support program managers and lead systems engineers in technical management of projects through tracking, risk, requirement, interface, configuration, and related tasks.
• Take technical responsibility for planning and conducting technical projects or project phases.
• Design and coordinate complex systems involving interdisciplinary engineering such as software, hardware, thermal, structural, optical, and electrical.
• Define and develop interfaces between development teams.
• Ensure common understanding between teams throughout development and coordinate the work of many engineers.
• Gather necessary system information, generate multiple design options, and use systems analysis to break down solutions into smaller parts.
• Create and maintain programmatic and technical documentation to ensure efficient planning and execution.
• Coordinate system development tasks, including design, integration, and formal testing.
• Oversee software development activities of SDA contractors to ensure appropriate processes and procedures are followed.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert on behalf of SDA to influence mature software development practices across the organization.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for SDA upper management.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active or previously held U.S. Government security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field and 10+ years of combined software engineering and systems engineering experience.
• Experience in systems engineering with familiarity with satellite bus architectures.
• Ability to lead and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary technical teams in proposal and design efforts for small‑to‑mid‑sized programs.
• Ability to provide mitigation strategies to minimize risk.
• Ability to interpret customer‑driven requirements and assess technical, cost, and schedule risk.
• Leadership and mentoring skills for junior engineers.
• Resourcefulness to respond to new demands and challenges.
• Proficiency in managing and prioritizing requirements development and verification, risks, interfaces, configurations, and trade studies on medium‑to‑large complexity programs.
• Proficiency in providing technical oversight and leadership as Lead Systems Engineer on small‑to‑medium‑sized programs.
• Proven organization and planning skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and within a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining a system‑level perspective.
• Ability to anticipate software development risks and develop contingency plans.
• Proficiency in all phases of a software development lifecycle.
• Ability to relate well with outside customers and maintain good relationships under challenging circumstances.
• Ability to abstract the progress of a software development project and present appropriate status to senior leadership (may include remote presentations, white papers, and/or personal communications).
• Moderate travel to support SDA (approximately 6‑9 weeks a year).

Salary Range

• $133,000 - $226,000 (salary commensurate with education and experience)

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location will be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?

SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

SDL delivers advanced multi‑domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors, instruments, ground systems, data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense.

At SDL, we uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, engage in thoughtful dialogue, share knowledge, involve others, and offer 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; 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].