Senior Software Engineer/Deputy Technical Lead

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory; North Logan (UT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory seeks a senior software engineer to lead software development for Government programs within the C4ISR Systems Division. You will provide technical direction, clarify requirements, and drive improvements across design, integration, and testing.

The role requires strong skills in C++, Python, or Java, experience guiding teams, and the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences. U.S.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of software engineering with leadership responsibilities.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience guiding software teams and technical execution.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, Java, web development, or scripting.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on technical direction for Government programs.
• Clarify requirements to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Evaluate system ability to meet customer objectives and mission needs.
• Drive practical improvements across design, integration, and testing.

Skills

Senior engineering leadership

C++, Python, Java

Communication with non-technical

Independent with travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS / MIS / engineering

Alternative: 5 years applicable experience

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

gRPC

Kafka

Linux

Job description

Job ID: 9048
Date Posted: August 6, 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a senior-level Software Engineer to provide software development expertise to Government programs within our C4ISR Systems Division. The selected candidate will serve as a key technical resource for our Government customer, providing hands-on technical direction and leadership for the customer's software development team. In this role, the candidate willclarify technical details to both technical and non-technical people, identify gaps, and drive practical improvements. The selected candidate must understand the customer's vision and support the team in evaluating the system's ability to meet customer requirements, program objectives, and mission needs.
The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems Division delivers mission-critical solutions, specializing in cyber operations, information architecture, strategic deterrence, and ISR. Our division's commitment to innovation and security enables us to provide critical solutions across defense, intelligence, and national security. Join our team and contribute to the next generation of defense technologies.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant software engineering experience with increasing technical leadership responsibility
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, MIS, engineering, or a related field or additional 5 years of relevant software engineering experience in lieu of a degree
• Demonstrated experience guiding technical execution across a software team (e.g., senior engineer,technicallead)
• Deep expertise in at least one of the following, with working proficiency in the others: C++, Python, Java, web development, and/or scripting
• Strong understanding of software system design, development, integration, deployment, testing, and sustainment
• Demonstrated experience with software development processes including requirements management, validation and verification, revision control, peer reviews, documentation standards, and quality gates
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences clearly and respectfully
• Strong professional presence in complex environments with many stakeholders (i.e., technical, non-technical, Government, military)
• Ability to navigate competing priorities and build alignment
• Demonstrated problem-solving and judgment under ambiguity
• Ability to operate independently while elevating team performance
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance and all required program/customer access approvals
• Must be willing and able to travel, up to 25% as required by the program

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with automated deployments and infrastructure as code
• Experience with container technologies (e.g., Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, OpenShift)
• Experience with data streaming/messaging technologies (e.g., gRPC, Kafka, ZeroMQ)
• Comfortable working in a Linux environment
• Experience with Agile development frameworks
• Familiarity with DoW mission operations networks
• Familiarity with DoW cybersecurity standards and procedures
• Active Security Clearance

*Salary Range

• $150,000 - $200,000
  • Salary commensurate 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.