Mission Engineer - Software SME

Job ID: 8319B
Date Posted: June 6, 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.

Location: Huntsville, AL preferred but locations considered.

• Note: This advertisement is for Chantilly, VA. The same position is being offered in either Huntsville, AL or North Logan, UT.

• Supports program managers and lead systems engineers on a program in technical management of projects through tracking, risks, requirements, interfaces, configurations, and related tasks
• Has technical responsibility for planning and conducting technical projects or phases of projects
• Designs and coordinates complex systems that involve interdisciplinary engineering such as software, hardware, thermal, structural, optical, and electrical
• Defines and develops interfaces between development teams
• Ensures common understanding between teams throughout development and is responsible for coordinating the work of many engineers, each of whom is an expert in one part of a system
• Gathers all the necessary information about what is needed in a system, selects several possible ways of designing the system, and uses systems analysis to break down the possible solutions into smaller parts
• Creates and maintains programmatic and technical documentation to ensure efficient planning and execution
• Coordinates system development tasks to include design, integration, and formal testing
• Oversees software development activities of SDA contractors to ensure appropriate processes and procedures are followed
• Operates as a subject matter expert on behalf of SDA to influence mature software development practices across the organization
• Operates as a technical point of contact for SDA upper management

• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active, or previously held, U.S. Government security clearance
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field and 10+ years of combined software engineering and systems engineering experience
• Systems engineering experience with familiarity with satellite bus architectures
• Ability to lead and communicate effectively to interdisciplinary technical teams in proposal and design efforts for small- to mid-sized programs
• Ability to provide mitigation strategies to minimize risk
• Ability to interpret customer-driven requirements to determine areas of risk from a technical, cost, and schedule perspective
• Ability to provide leadership and mentoring to junior engineers
• Ability to respond resourcefully to new demands and challenges
• Proficiency in managing and prioritizing requirements development and verification, risks, interfaces, configurations, and trade studies on medium to large complexity programs
• Proficiency in providing technical oversight and leadership as the Lead Systems Engineer on small- to medium-sized programs
• Proven organization and planning skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• 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 software development risks and develop contingency plans to manage them
• Proficiency in all phases of a software development lifecycle
• Ability to relate well with outside customers and maintain good relationships under challenging circumstances
• Ability to abstract the progress of a software development project and present appropriate status to senior leadership (may include remote presentations, white papers, and/or personal communications)
• Moderate travel to support SDA (approximately 6-9 weeks a year)

• $133,000 - $226,000
  • 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.