Principle Systems Engineer

Job ID: 9576
Date Posted: October 1, 2026
The Space Dynamics Laboratory’s (SDL) Strategic & Military Space Division is seeking a highly accomplished Mission Engineer – Missile Defense Systems & Technology to provide senior technical leadership in the development, integration, analysis, test, and advancement of complex missile defense capabilities.
The Mission Engineer will serve as a recognized technical authority supporting missile defense programs and will work across engineering disciplines to solve complex system-of-systems challenges involving command and control, sensors, weapons, communications, networks, software, modeling and simulation, and operational mission systems.
This position requires an individual who can operate effectively at both the detailed technical level and the enterprise level, translating complex engineering and analytical findings into actionable recommendations for program leadership, government customers, and senior decision-makers.
The ideal candidate has extensive experience supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Department of Defense missile defense programs, or comparable complex defense systems and has demonstrated the ability to lead multidisciplinary technical efforts from requirements definition and architecture through integration, test, fielding, and operational support.
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.
Key Responsibilities

• Serves as a senior technical authority for missile defense technology, system architecture, integration, analysis, and engineering activities
• Provides technical leadership across the full system development lifecycle, including concept development, requirements, architecture, design, integration, verification, validation, test, fielding, and operational assessment
• Supports and advises the C2BMC-G Chief Engineer, Architect, Technical Advisor, and GAMMA lead on development of a global node for C2BMC
• Creates strategy and vision, and leads teams to meet objectives directing and performing evaluation and assessments for integration of complex systems
• Works with internal and external stakeholders in all phases of the engineering process: requirements definition and management, design, integration, test, and operations
• Develops inputs to and evaluate contractor program baseline planning and execution
• Perform technical oversight of classified project development, risk assessments, and contractor performance against requirements
• Independently evaluates contractor technical reports and analyses
• Reviews, comments, and prepares technical responses for the Government program office on contractor proposals
• Performs independent evaluation and assessment in support of DCC and USSPACECOM
• Assesses emerging technologies and recommend technical approaches for improving missile defense performance, resilience, interoperability, and mission effectiveness
• Mentors’ engineers and technical leads and helps establish engineering methodologies, standards, and best practices across the organization

• Minimum 20 years’ experience of engineering, analysis, test, or technical leadership experience supporting complex aerospace, missile defense, space, or national security systems
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with a wide range of internal and external customers
• Strong organizational skills, quick learner, and demonstrated problem solver
• Able to apply knowledge to complex, practical situations
• Master’s degree or equivalent in engineering or computer science
• Direct experience supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) or integrated air and missile defense missions
• Deep knowledge of C2BMC system including supported Combatant Commands, sensor utilization, algorithms to support tracking, battle management & sensor resource management
• Experience with missile defense, integrated air and missile defense, command-and-control systems, weapon systems, space systems, or comparable complex DoW mission systems
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be a US citizen and be able to obtain a US Government security clearance
• Active DoW Top Secret Security Clearance
• Eligible for SSBI, SCI, SI/TK
• Some travel is required

• Experience with mission functional framework and operations concept development
• Experience in designing test campaigns for systems verification
• Experience with multi-domain application of Command and Control
• Experience with missile defense flight testing, ground testing, or operational assessment
• Experience with Failure Review Boards, root-cause investigations, anomaly resolution, or mission-critical technical response
• Experience directing or providing technical oversight of prime contractors, subcontractors, FFRDCs, UARCs, government laboratories, or other engineering organizations
• Demonstrated record of developing innovative engineering or analytical methodologies that significantly improve technical performance, test effectiveness, or organizational decision-making

• $170,000 - $210,000
  • 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 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 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 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.