Senior Software Engineer
Job ID: 4632
Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to join our Strategic Military Space (SMS) Division. The emphasis will be on satellite ground systems and related tooling, which will be used by mission and satellite operations teams in various capacities. Integration of the satellite to the ground system is often performed. Software maintenance and operational support are also expected. The role of a Software Engineer IV is leadership-oriented, requiring not only expertise in software development but also exceptional leadership skills. Senior Software Engineers are generally asked to perform technical and supervisor leadership and provide input into and reviews of multiple programs.
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:
- May lead teams to complete significant proposals and design review on a large scale
- May assist the software group in selecting analysis and development tools, providing input to overall software design processes used lab-wide on programs
- Reviews literature, patents, and current practices relevant to the solution of assigned projects
- May provide work leadership to mid-level employees
- Recommends corrections in technical applications and analysis
- Serves as a peer reviewer for software engineering at the program level
- May serve as a product lead, overseeing the entire software product with a clear vision that balances the program needs
- May serve as software architect and guide team design
- Helps organize design reviews, release schedules, resources, requirement traceability, configuration management, testing, and product documentation
- Works with technical management to report overall product status to ensure software release schedules are met
- May mentor mid-level Engineers
Required Qualifications:
- Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance
- BS degree in engineering or computer science and 15+ years of relevant experience, or MS degree and 13+ years of relevant experience, or PhD and 9+ years of relevant experience
- 5+ years leading a technical team
- Strong understanding of the lab’s core technologies and capabilities including:
- Architect, design, develop, and analyze complex and difficult software systems
- Experience in at least one of the following languages: C# (preferred), C++, Java
- Experience with a database and associated query language (i.e., SQL)
- Experience with front-end frameworks (Angular, etc.)
- Experience with web languages (Typescript, JavaScript, CSS, etc.)
- Ability to write clean, consistent, and well-documented code
- Experience with software test methodologies (unit, integration, etc.)
- Experience with agile development methodologies and DevOps concepts
- Experience with use of version control software, ticketing, and collaboration documentation tools
- Experience with utilizing design patterns
- Experience with microservice architecture and/or message-based application design
- Ability to anticipate risks and develop contingency plans to manage them
- Ability to relate well to people at all levels inside and outside of the organization
- Proven organization and planning skills
- Highly self-motivated and directed
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- US Government Top Secret Security Clearance
- Understanding of key systems engineering principles
- Experience with relational database systems
- Ability to cultivate business development relationships
- Ability to develop, debug, and deploy containerized solutions (Docker, K8S, Helm, etc.)
- Advanced AWS infrastructure and services knowledge and experience
- Experience with system level integration
- Experience with satellite flight or ground systems
*Salary Range
- $141,500 - $197,000
- 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.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.