Job ID: 7456
Date Posted: April 17, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer to join our Strategic & Military Space Division to lead the satellite ground site which includes multiple ground stations. The successful candidate will have technical ownership of the ground site, serving as the single technical interface to government customers for all design, implementation and maintenance. This senior position is ideal for candidates with deep systems engineering expertise, strong leadership and communication skills, and a proven ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams, resolve cross-cutting technical challenges, and drive successful program outcomes in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

This position is in Albuquerque, NM, and work will be performed on Kirtland AFB.

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:

• Serves as the technical authority for ground station infrastructure, design, implementation, and sustainment
• Leads and manages the systems engineering activities across ground systems, infrastructure, and mission integration efforts
• Develops and executes preventive and corrective maintenance programs for ground station assets
• Oversees automated scheduler implementation, configuration control, and version alignment with mission stakeholders
• Coordinates with software engineering teams for system updates, feature integration, and operational support
• Plans and executes integration activities with mission partners, ensuring compatibility across systems and networks
• Directs site acceptance testing and certification activities for 5m and 13m ground stations
• Ensures compliance with AI&T requirements and oversees system-level verification and validation efforts
• Leads Change Configuration Board (CCB) processes, including change control implementation and stakeholder coordination
• Develops system artifacts, including network diagrams, test plans, and certification documentation
• Evaluates vendor and subcontractor capabilities to ensure delivered products and services satisfy system-level requirements
• Mentors mid-level and junior engineers, contributing to workforce development and improving organizational systems engineering capability
• Responsible for resolving issues/anomalies with the ground stations
• Leads ground station documentation for frequency licensing approvals

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science and 7+ years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree and 5+ years of relevant experience, or a PhD and 2+ years of relevant experience
• Advanced leadership capability, providing technical oversight as lead systems engineer on medium- to large-sized, high-complexity programs
• Mastery of core systems engineering processes, including requirements development and verification, risk management, interface control, configuration management, and system trade studies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with a proven track record of responding resourcefully to new challenges, changing requirements, and evolving program conditions
• Exceptional communication and relationship skills, able to relate effectively to stakeholders at all levels, preserve relationships under pressure, and clearly present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Highly organized with strong planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain technical baselines, and provide accurate cost and schedule inputs to program managers and proposal efforts
• Skilled technical author with the ability to produce high-quality reports, documentation, design artifacts, and professional papers
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, contributing individually while strengthening team performance
• Ability and willingness to travel
• Must be a U.S. citizen with an ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance

• Experience with RF hardware and design
• Experience with National Security programs for the Space Force and/or Air Force
• Experience with designing, building, operating and maintaining satellite ground stations
• Experience with networking and cybersecurity infrastructure
• Experience with creating and managing user/operating manuals
• Experience with ground system interfaces within cloud architecture

• $100,000 - $155,000
  • 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.