Missile Defense Integration Systems Engineer
Colorado Springs, CO - USA
Job Summary
Job ID: 6963
Date Posted: March 18 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) Strategic & Military Space Division is seeking a senior highly-motivated Missile Defense and Space Systems Engineer/Architect to support efforts in Colorado Springs CO. The selected candidate will serve as an embedded subject matter expert (SME) with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Space Capabilities Directorate. Missile Defense system development design integration test and program execution experience involving the utilization of overhead sensor data with advanced integrated air and missile defense systems is required. The selected candidate will support program managers and other technical professionals in defining requirements interfaces allocation of capabilities and leading the integration and verification testing across multiple partner capabilities programs and weapon systems including space space-to-ground and ground segments.
Candidates are required to have demonstrated superior technical leadership skills and extensive subject matter expertise in space systems and systems engineering disciplines. An active DoW TS clearance with SCI eligibility is required.
The selected candidate should be an expert in systems engineering and system of systems architectures. The selected candidate should possess a broad knowledge understanding and perspective on the application of systems engineering to the design development test and fielding of complex on-orbit prototype demonstrations and operational constellations of military space systems. The selected candidate will support MDA and their development of new space capabilities and architectures.
Key Responsibilities:
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 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 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.
Date Posted: March 18 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) Strategic & Military Space Division is seeking a senior highly-motivated Missile Defense and Space Systems Engineer/Architect to support efforts in Colorado Springs CO. The selected candidate will serve as an embedded subject matter expert (SME) with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Space Capabilities Directorate. Missile Defense system development design integration test and program execution experience involving the utilization of overhead sensor data with advanced integrated air and missile defense systems is required. The selected candidate will support program managers and other technical professionals in defining requirements interfaces allocation of capabilities and leading the integration and verification testing across multiple partner capabilities programs and weapon systems including space space-to-ground and ground segments.
Candidates are required to have demonstrated superior technical leadership skills and extensive subject matter expertise in space systems and systems engineering disciplines. An active DoW TS clearance with SCI eligibility is required.
The selected candidate should be an expert in systems engineering and system of systems architectures. The selected candidate should possess a broad knowledge understanding and perspective on the application of systems engineering to the design development test and fielding of complex on-orbit prototype demonstrations and operational constellations of military space systems. The selected candidate will support MDA and their development of new space capabilities and architectures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leads organizes and conducts trade studies design analyses and engineering analyses/studies to identify and resolve issues impacting MDA missions functions programs and systems
- Leads the system-of-systems integration of complex space and ground segments ensuring seamless data flow and communication
- Proactively identifies technical problems through application of technical expertise and analysis
- Utilizes connections within the Intelligence Community (IC) and the DoW to identify resources partnership opportunities related program activities and technical data
- Supports MDA activities by providing technical leadership in multiple areas within and across the MDA enterprise
- Informs management and recommends courses of action while maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders customers developers and colleagues
- Anticipates risks and develops contingency plans to manage them
- Effectively communicates technical results both verbally and in writing
- Represents MDA at government/industry forums and meetings technical meetings and symposia
- Leads cross-organizational project teams
- Mentors technical staff developing and growing the next generation of technical leaders
- Demonstrated expertise and experience in space vehicles space systems development satellite ground systems development missile defense enterprise and missile defense C2 systems
- Proven experience with System of Systems integration across multiple organizations/agencies
- Bachelors degree in engineering or related science
- 15 years of relevant experience
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
- Working knowledge of current IC and/or DoW classified and unclassified space systems and architectures
- Working knowledge of state-of-the-market hardware and/or software capabilities used in satellite systems
- Ability to work in a fast-paced initiative-driven environment and to quickly prioritize and accomplish technical tasks
- Knowledge of systems engineering techniques and their application to large DoW development programs
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with program management customers developers and colleagues
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
- Must be a U.S. citizen and have an active DoW Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility
- Must be able to travel to contractor and customer facilities
- Must be located or willing to relocate to Colorado Springs CO
- Masters degree or PhD in engineering or related science field with 20 years of relevant experience
- Recent experience in space systems programs or technology
- Experience with DoW engineering policies and best practices
- Experience with the test and evaluation of missile defense interceptor systems
- An active DoW TS/SCI clearance with previous experience on SAP programs
- $157000 - $197000
- Salary commensurate on education and relevant 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 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 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
Required Experience:
Senior IC