Systems Engineer

Description:

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Senior-Level Systems Engineer to support the United States Government’s Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) System and other Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) programs. This pivotal role involves providing expert-level systems engineering support, ensuring robust design practices, and contributing to national defense through advanced systems integration and engineering analysis.

SDL is renowned for its innovative solutions across space, air, land, and sea defense applications. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside government and industry professionals, leveraging advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to support complex Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead medium to large-scale engineering projects and oversee requirements decomposition and configuration management.

• Perform in-depth system requirement analysis and design using MBSE tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler and DOORS.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including software, hardware, and test engineers to ensure seamless system integration.

• Assess and review hardware and software designs for technical integrity and mission compliance.

• Lead and present at technical design reviews, clearly communicating complex engineering concepts to diverse audiences.

• Develop and review cost and schedule estimates, supporting proposal and project management activities.

• Mentor junior engineers and ensure alignment with engineering best practices and customer objectives.

• Develop and document system architecture, specifications, and integration frameworks.

• Identify and mitigate technical risks through proactive systems engineering approaches.

• Contribute to the creation and evaluation of design trade studies and risk assessments.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Minimum 8 years of experience in systems engineering or a related domain.

• Advanced understanding of systems engineering processes, requirements management, and design verification.

• Proficiency with MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler, DOORS).

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams on DoD or large-scale engineering projects.

• Strong understanding of system verification and validation methodologies.

• Proven ability to manage complex projects, mentor team members, and maintain stakeholder relationships.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• U.S. Citizenship required.

• Ability to travel occasionally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DoD Security Clearance (Secret or Top Secret preferred).

• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• Experience working in DoD program offices or with UARC programs.

• Familiarity with proposal development (RFQ, RFI responses).

• Strong background in cost/schedule estimation for engineering programs.

• Experience writing and reviewing technical white papers and engineering documentation.

Salary & Levels:

• Level II: USD 104,000 – 116,000

  • BS with 8–9 years experience, MS with 6–17 years, or PhD with 2–3 years.

• Level III: USD 115,000 – 134,000

  • BS with 10–14 years experience, MS with 8–12 years, or PhD with 4–8 years.

• Level IV: USD 130,000 – 148,000

  • BS with 15+ years experience, MS with 13+ years, or PhD with 9+ years.

(Actual salary depends on education, experience, and location.)

Why Join SDL:

• Opportunity to work on critical national defense missions including NASA and DoD projects.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• Work within a respected research environment that promotes innovation, integrity, and collaboration.

• Engage in groundbreaking C4ISR system development for defense and intelligence operations.

• Culture built on respect, empowerment, and accountability, encouraging personal and professional growth.