Mission Engineer - Ground Systems

Colorado Springs, CO

Full Time

Strategic Military Space

Mid Level

Job ID: 5491
Position Posted: 11/21/2025

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) Strategic & Military Space Division is seeking a Mission Engineer, Software Systems Engineer, or Multi-Disciplinary Systems Engineer with expertise in developing, integrating, and testing ground system solutions for new space sensors. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills to interface and collaborate with multiple stakeholders across various organizations, including the customer Program Office and Engineering Divisions, FFRDC/UARCs, SETA contractors, and other industry partners.

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.
This position is in Colorado Springs, CO and work will be performed on Schriever Space Force Base.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide technical support to enterprise ground systems and cybersecurity activities, including subject matter expertise and implementation support tied to program and/or enterprise architecture
Support requirements development, design, integration, testing, and authorization activities associated with ground systems or interfaces
Provide expertise and solutions in DevSecOps implementation, mission data processing, enterprise cloud computing, virtual machines, and network connectivity, including space command and control cross-domain solutions, network security, software development, integration, and test
Support ground integration activities by providing technical and engineering expertise for requirements, design, integration, and testing, and coordinate with the broader community to ensure seamless program and system integration
Deliver independent assessments, analyses, and technical recommendations to support system compatibility and integration with external space and ground interfaces
Define subsystems and their interfaces; allocate responsibilities; understand solution deployment; and communicate interface requirements within the solution context
Operate within an economic framework when evaluating the impact of design decisions

Required Qualifications:

Must be a U.S. citizen with an active DoD Top Secret security clearance and SCI eligibility
10–15+ years of experience and a BS degree (or equivalent) in engineering or computer science
Experience with enterprise ground system solutions and related software, including data management, ICD management, mission coordination, planning and scheduling, command and telemetry, satellite operations, flight dynamics modeling, and front-end processors
DoD/ground system domain experience translating mission needs into capabilities
End-to-end ground system design experience to meet required data volumes, data latency, and data management needs
Experience in requirements development and derivation, including writing ICDs, data management requirements, and test plans
MBSE knowledge and willingness to learn and use Cameo to document use cases, requirements, and ground system solutions
Strong organizational skills, ability to learn quickly, and demonstrated problem-solving abilities
Ability to apply complex system knowledge to practical situations
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, for interactions with a wide range of internal and external customers
Willingness and ability to travel occasionally as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience using MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo) to document use cases, requirements, and solutions
Experience with Agile methodologies for defining requirements and developing systems
Experience working with the Missile Defense Agency
Experience with U.S. Space Force or Intelligence Community space and ground systems
Experience with Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC)
Knowledge of satellite communication protocols and standards
Understanding of cybersecurity best practices related to satellite operations
Experience with satellite ground station equipment, including antennas and RF systems
Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and their integration with ground systems

Salary Range
$112,000 - $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. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

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.

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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Mission Engineer - Ground Systems

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