Experienced Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

Full Time

Strategic Military Space

Experienced

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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Experienced Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer

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