Target Custody Systems Engineer

North Logan, UT

Full Time

Strategic Military Space

Mid Level

Job ID: 8497
Date Posted: July 14, 2026

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! We are seeking applicants for a mid-level Systems Engineer to help manage software development projects that support the Space Development Agency’s PWSA with 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 our nation’s defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Provides subject matter expertise related to defense mission space and ground systems integration
- This includes space-ground and ground-ground interface requirements, design, integration, testing, and operations
Assess system architecture, designs, implementation, and operations with focus on interoperability, verifiability, and end to end performance
Drafts, develops, and/or provides input to ICDs, SOWs, test plans and procedures, ConOps, architecture and systems descriptions, schedules, and various other engineering and programmatic documents
Leads or has a key role in interface and IV&V related working groups focused on space-to-ground, ground network, cloud services, and other intra- and inter-ground segment products
Maintains strong communication on technical topics between working groups, integrated product teams, space system providers, ground system providers, and government program offices
Leads government assessment of the ground system contractor’s integrated system validation and verification (end to end) test planning and execution
Monitors systems testing and interface/end-end testing with the space vehicle vendors and mission partners
Provides technical assessment of success of such testing and recommendations on acceptance of test results and disposition of deviations.
Provides decision support to government program managers and system leads on topics in areas of responsibility
Supports program managers and lead systems engineers on a program in technical management of projects through tracking, risks, requirements, interfaces, configurations, and related tasks
Designs and coordinates complex systems that involve interdisciplinary engineering
Creates and maintains programmatic and technical documentation to ensure efficient planning and execution

Required Qualifications:

Must be a U.S. citizen with an active, or previously held, U.S. Government security clearance
Bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering or a related technical field and 10+ years of space systems engineering experience preferably with deep knowledge in one or more space or ground subsystems
Systems engineering experience with familiarity with space systems, ground systems, and space mission operations within government and commercial programs
Ability to interpret customer-driven requirements to determine areas of risk from a technical, cost, and schedule perspective
Ability to respond resourcefully to new demands and challenges in a dynamic environment
Proficiency in managing and prioritizing requirements development and verification, risks, interfaces, configurations, and trade studies
Ability to work effectively both individually and within a team environment
Strong attention to detail while still having a system-level perspective
Ability to anticipate ground-space system integration and test risks and develop contingency plans to manage them
Ability to relate well with outside customers and maintain good relationships under challenging circumstances
Moderate travel to support SDA (approximately 6-9 weeks a year)

*Salary Range

$ 114,500 - $210,000
- 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.

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

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This position is available for onsite support in any of the following locations: Huntsville, AL; North Logan, UT; Chantilly, VA. Please select the location(s) you would be interested in working from. (Please note: you may apply for this role once and will be considered for all locations you select below.)* Huntsville, ALNorth Logan, UTChantilly, VANone of the above

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