HWIL Mission Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO

Full Time

Strategic Military Space

Mid Level

Job ID: 4384
The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) Strategic & Military Space Division is seeking a highly qualified Mission Engineer with a background in Hardware-in-the Loop (HWIL) system engineering, orbital warfare, and national security space systems to serve as an embedded subject matter expert (SME) in the U.S. Space Force PEO-Operational Test & Training Infrastructure (OTTI). The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting the OTTI Integrated Program Office to develop national level capabilities to test the USA’s next generation of space capabilities, and develop tactics, techniques, and procedures for the Service’s weapons systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Serves as an embedded SME to understand and align with the government’s operational needs and challenges
Decomposes operational warfare Mission-Essential Tasks and training needs into testing requirements
Coordinates activities and execution with other parts of the OTTI enterprise, including Infrastructure, Engineering, and Business Operations
Assembles and directs resources toward execution of the organization’s mission
Identifies, tracks, and mitigates risks
Trades issues of scope, approach, cost, and schedule
Evaluates program information and makes recommendations to the Government lead
Other duties as assigned by the government lead

Required Qualifications:

Must have a US Citizen with a US government TOP SECRET/SCI clearance and be eligible for Special Accesses
Must be able and willing to travel
BS degree in a related technical field (e.g., aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering with coursework in space system/mission engineering)
At least five years of system engineering experience directly supporting operational space systems
Understanding of risks and risk mitigations for spaceflight systems
Familiarity with spacecraft requirements and subsystems design, development, and testing
Familiarity with large-scale mission systems, and systems/mission engineering and integration activities
Understanding of the space environment and orbital mechanics
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to present complex technical concepts clearly and succinctly to customers
Familiarity with HWIL testing, integration, and scenario design
Familiarity with HWIL M&S architectures used in test and training for DoD systems
Familiarity with space surveillance sensors, networks, and observation data, including capabilities and limitations
Knowledge of orbital analyst techniques and applying new analytical developments/methodologies/TTPs
Knowledge of SysML, UAF, and DoDAF
Familiarity with satellite sim software such as STK, Freeflyer, MVS, or Trace

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced degree in aerospace, systems, electrical, or optical engineering
Experience with real-time, closed-loop simulation: Implementing and utilizing Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) or Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) for testing and verification
Experience developing/designing hardware in the loop testing infrastructure
Management and systems/missions engineering experience in space hardware development projects
Space Force, NRO, or IC space acquisition experience
Experience operating, or leading units that operate, spacecraft conducting RPO
Experience with SAP or CAP architectures
Familiarity with satellite crew training and incorporating lessons learned into training curriculums
Experience in Exercises and Wargames from tactical through Tier-1 level

* Salary Range
$120,000 - $220,000

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 posting 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 supports a variety of missions, including NASA’s vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense’s aim to protect our Nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you’ve heard of, and others that you haven’t.

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

At SDL, we 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.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

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HWIL Mission Engineer

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