Job description

Job ID: 9473 Date Posted: September 15, 2026 Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team and contribute to innovative technologies supporting critical national security missions. We are seeking a motivated mid-level or senior-level Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer to join our Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In this role, you will support SDL’s mission for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) by establishing and operating AI&T capabilities for small spacecraft, spacecraft payloads, and aeroshell vehicles. Working closely with government program managers, engineers, and SDL technical teams, you will support programs from AI&T planning through integration, testing, and reporting. This position is ideal for an engineer with broad technical expertise who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven R&D environment and is comfortable navigating the uncertainty of emerging technologies. Key Responsibilities: • Leads facility stand-up and sustainment processes, including equipment, supplies, hardware, software, support equipment, and other resources required to support AI&T operations • Manages classified logistics, procurement, calibration, and hardware configuration control in accordance with program and facility requirements • Develops and maintains laboratory procedures, test plans, work instructions, Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs), Qualification Test (QT) documentation, and associated test reports • Supports SDL and AFRL Program Managers and lead systems engineers in technical management of projects including technical risks, requirements, interfaces, configurations, and related systems engineering activities • Gathers system-level requirements, evaluate design alternatives, performs systems analysis, and decomposes solutions into actionable engineering tasks • Develops AI&T plans to satisfy program and system requirements, including requirement verification approaches, assembly and test sequences, and incorporating development units into the overall test strategy • Leads and performs activities for the assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) of space hardware across software, hardware, thermal, structural, optical, electrical, and related domains • Executes tests, gathers artifacts, and generates requirement verification reports • Develops, maintains, and communicates regular program status reports for internal and external customers to monitor and report progress Required Qualifications: • Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science and 8+ years of relevant • Knowledge of system engineering tools and analysis methods • Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite) • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Previous experience leading teams of engineers and technicians • Experience writing and executing test plans and procedures • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, etc. • Familiarity with test equipment, MGSE, and EGSE • Ability to work effectively both individually and within a team environment • Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills • Strong attention to detail while still having a system-level perspective • Ability to make decisions independently and seek guidance as appropriate • Some travel may be required Preferred Qualifications: • Active Top Secret security clearance • Experience with defining and documenting requirements • Experience with environment test processes (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, etc.) • Experience with optics system calibration and testing • Experience with MBSE tools and processes • Hands on experience with spaceflight article design, fabrication, and testing • Broad understanding of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software and optical systems astrodynamics, navigation, propulsion, or guidance • Experience with schedules and requirement tracking. • Experience leading small teams and coordinating with others to solve challenging problems. Salary Range • $160,000 - $220,000 • Salary commensurate based on education and 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 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 7 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 employment@sdl.usu.edu.

Requirements

Must-haves

Job ID: 9473
Date Posted: September 15, 2026
Leads facility stand-up and sustainment processes, including equipment, supplies, hardware, software, support equipment, and other resources required to support AI&T operations
Manages classified logistics, procurement, calibration, and hardware configuration control in accordance with program and facility requirements
Develops and maintains laboratory procedures, test plans, work instructions, Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs), Qualification Test (QT) documentation, and associated test reports
Supports SDL and AFRL Program Managers and lead systems engineers in technical management of projects including technical risks, requirements, interfaces, configurations, and related systems engineering activities
Gathers system-level requirements, evaluate design alternatives, performs systems analysis, and decomposes solutions into actionable engineering tasks
Develops AI&T plans to satisfy program and system requirements, including requirement verification approaches, assembly and test sequences, and incorporating development units into the overall test strategy
Leads and performs activities for the assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) of space hardware across software, hardware, thermal, structural, optical, electrical, and related domains
Executes tests, gathers artifacts, and generates requirement verification reports
Develops, maintains, and communicates regular program status reports for internal and external customers to monitor and report progress
Required Qualifications: • Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance

Nice-to-haves

Active Top Secret security clearance
Experience with defining and documenting requirements
Experience with environment test processes (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, etc.)
Experience with optics system calibration and testing
Experience with MBSE tools and processes
Hands on experience with spaceflight article design, fabrication, and testing
Broad understanding of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software and optical systems astrodynamics, navigation, propulsion, or guidance
Experience with schedules and requirement tracking.
Experience leading small teams and coordinating with others to solve challenging problems.
Why Join SDL?
SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package . Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

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