Systems Engineer for University Nanosatellite Program (UNP)

Job ID: 3545

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Junior Spacecraft Systems Engineer to support the University Nanosatellite Program. The University Nanosatellite Program is an Air Force Research Laboratory sponsored university technology development and workforce incubator program with the mission to work directly with student-led university small satellite programs. The program focuses on developing enabling technologies from universities, as well as mentoring and training graduate and undergraduate students as they design and build their own satellites and compete for a launch opportunity. This position is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico on the premises of Kirtland Air Force Base. 

This Engineer will be an integral member of a joint Government and contractor team that operates in a dynamic, energetic, and truly enjoyable environment that emphasizes growth. The successful candidate must be an enthusiastic, driven self-starter with a strong desire to solve problems and desires an opportunity to influence and develop SmallSat systems. The ideal candidate will have strong academic and/or work experience with hardware, electronics, and embedded systems. This is a rich opportunity to rapidly mature your technical/mentoring chops by being involved in every aspect of small satellite design including, documentation, fabrication, integration, launch, and operations. You will work alongside (i.e. “learn from”) AFRL staff – who are some of the best small satellite engineers in the country! We don’t expect you to be an expert yourself, but we do expect you to learn fast and engage with people/teams easily (e.g. strong interpersonal skills). The successful candidate will serve as a mentor to university students for both the technical and team/programmatic organization. Previous UNP alumni are encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in a related technical field (i.e., Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Software Engineering)
• Familiarity with spacecraft requirements and subsystems design
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills
• Ability to present clearly and succinctly
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Must be able to travel (approximately 20%)

• Electrical engineering and/or computer engineering experience desired
• Student experience working on a project under the University NanoSatellite Program
• 2+ years of relevant spacecraft systems engineering or advanced degree(s) in a related field
• In-depth familiarity with small satellites (<150kg), systems requirements and subsystems
• Experience with space hardware development and testing
• Understanding of space environment
• Understanding of risks and risk mitigations for spaceflight systems

• $66,000-$120,000
  • Base salary is commensurate upon highest level of education and years of directly related experience

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 tr