Mission Engineer

Job ID: 5491

Position Posted: 11/21/2025

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) Strategic & Military Space Division is seeking a Mission Engineer, Software Systems Engineer, or Multi-Disciplinary Systems Engineer with expertise in developing, integrating, and testing ground system solutions for new space sensors. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills to interface and collaborate with multiple stakeholders across various organizations, including the customer Program Office and Engineering Divisions, FFRDC/UARCs, SETA contractors, and other industry partners.

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.

This position is in
Colorado Springs, CO
and work will be performed on Schriever Space Force Base.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to enterprise ground systems and cybersecurity activities, including subject matter expertise and implementation support tied to program and/or enterprise architecture
• Support requirements development, design, integration, testing, and authorization activities associated with ground systems or interfaces
• Provide expertise and solutions in DevSecOps implementation, mission data processing, enterprise cloud computing, virtual machines, and network connectivity, including space command and control cross-domain solutions, network security, software development, integration, and test
• Support ground integration activities by providing technical and engineering expertise for requirements, design, integration, and testing, and coordinate with the broader community to ensure seamless program and system integration
• Deliver independent assessments, analyses, and technical recommendations to support system compatibility and integration with external space and ground interfaces
• Define subsystems and their interfaces; allocate responsibilities; understand solution deployment; and communicate interface requirements within the solution context
• Operate within an economic framework when evaluating the impact of design decisions

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active DoD Top Secret security clearance and SCI eligibility
• 10–15+ years of experience and a BS degree (or equivalent) in engineering or computer science
• Experience with enterprise ground system solutions and related software, including data management, ICD management, mission coordination, planning and scheduling, command and telemetry, satellite operations, flight dynamics modeling, and front-end processors
• DoD/ground system domain experience translating mission needs into capabilities
• End-to-end ground system design experience to meet required data volumes, data latency, and data management needs
• Experience in requirements development and derivation, including writing ICDs, data management requirements, and test plans
• MBSE knowledge and willingness to learn and use Cameo to document use cases, requirements, and ground system solutions
• Strong organizational skills, ability to learn quickly, and demonstrated problem-solving abilities
• Ability to apply complex system knowledge to practical situations
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, for interactions with a wide range of internal and external customers
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo) to document use cases, requirements, and solutions
• Experience with Agile methodologies for defining requirements and developing systems
• Experience working with the Missile Defense Agency
• Experience with U.S. Space Force or Intelligence Community space and ground systems
• Experience with Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC)
• Knowledge of satellite communication protocols and standards
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices related to satellite operations
• Experience with satellite ground station equipment, including antennas and RF systems
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and their integration with ground systems

Salary Range
$112,000 - $220,000

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