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 what’s 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

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s 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

$116,000 – $148,000

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 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 supports a variety of missions, including NASA’s vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense’s 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 you’ve heard of, and others that you haven’t. 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 View email address on jobs.jobcopilot.com.