Mission Systems Engineer

Job ID: 6103

Date Posted: January 30 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Mid- to Senior-Level Mission Systems Engineer to support the development and execution of space missions across formulation development integration test launch and operations. The ideal candidate will play a key role in ensuring technical coherence across multiple mission elements including spacecraft payloads launch vehicles ground systems and mission operations with an emphasis on mission architecture development requirements management interface definition and end-to-end mission execution.

This position supports NASA and commercial space missions including PI-led cost-capped missions (e.g. Small Explorer MIDEX Discovery) and offers the opportunity to work closely with scientists engineers project managers and external partners.

The Civil & Commercial Space Division is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state-of-the-art sensors and satellites and provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across planetary science Earth observation heliophysics and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of whats possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.


Key Responsibilities:

• Leads systems engineering for space missions from mission concept through development AI&T and mission operations
• Develops and manages requirements at multiple levels: mission system and subsystem
• Maintains requirements traceability matrices and verification plans
• Collaborates with mission partners including principal investigators program manager hardware providers mission assurance managers operations teams etc.
• Defines and controls interfaces between spacecraft payload launch vehicle and ground systems
• Develops plans procedures reports presentations and other required technical documentation
• Supports trade studies mission architecture development and technical decision-making
• Performs system-level technical analysis to measure performance and resource margins determine failure modes and find solutions to technical challenges
• Participates in design reviews and other milestone reviews
• Supports risk management processes through identification assessment and mitigation
• Collaborates with project management on cost schedule and technical performance
• Supports integration and test (I&T) anomaly resolution and mission operations as required
• Ensures compliance with applicable NASA standards and/or project-level requirements

• Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering Systems Engineering Physics or a related field
• 10 years of related experience with experience in a lead systems engineering role
• Experience in systems engineering for space missions or spacecraft and payload subsystems
• Ability to interpret customer-driven requirements and determine areas of risk from a technical cost and schedule perspective
• Ability to provide risk mitigation strategies
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams
• Ability to provide mentoring and feedback to junior engineers
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Must be able and willing to occasionally travel to partner institutions integration facilities or launch sites
• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance

• Masters degree or PhD in a relevant technical discipline
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems (e.g. avionics power thermal GNC communications)
• Knowledge of space payload subsystems (e.g. detectors optics RF elements power data)
• Experience with NASA PI-led cost-capped or equivalent spaceflight missions
• Familiarity with NASA systems engineering processes (e.g. NPR 7123)
• Familiarity with system-level simulation with software tools such as STK
• Experience with MBSE and its related software tools
• An ability to tailor systems engineering processes for commercial applications
• Experience supporting mission operations or anomaly resolution
• Background in science-driven missions (astrophysics heliophysics planetary)
• Familiarity with requirements development and management tools (e.g. DOORS Visure Jama or equivalent)

Salary Range

$116000 $148000

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 candidates 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 NASAs vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defenses 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 youve heard of and others that you havent. 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