Senior Software Systems Engineer

Job ID: 6331
Date Posted: February 10, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Software Systems Engineer to join our Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems Division. The selected candidate will provide subject matter expertise support to the U.S. Government team acquiring the Sentinel missile system, the Nation's next asset providing strategic nuclear deterrence. This position will be embedded in the Government's team assessing the prime contractor's current software designs, researching alternative approaches, and providing technical documentation to support decisions that align with defense industry best practices, sound software systems engineering principles, and strengthen technical rigor. If you enjoy challenging design problems, we want you to join our team.

This position will be in Ogden, UT.

The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems Division delivers mission-critical solutions, specializing in cyber operations, information architecture, strategic deterrence, and ISR. Our division's commitment to innovation and security enables us to provide critical solutions across defense, intelligence, and national security. Join our team and contribute to the next generation of defense technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Works with multiple engineering disciplines to ensure that the Sentinel system is designed, built, and fielded to meet requirements and enable flawless operations
• Supports the U.S. Government by overseeing and providing insight into the software architecture and multi-level software designs of a complex system of systems
• Focuses on assessment of all aspects of software design from requirements to the final system integration test plans
• Identifies, documents, and provides technical risk mitigation strategies
• Works side-by-side with the customer as a subject matter expert assessing designs
• Ensures that all software and subsystems are designed to integrate with minimal issues
• Enables Government ownership of the delivered technology
• Collaborates with representatives of several other corporate entities daily
• Participates in software requirements and designs analysis, threat assessments, vulnerability assessments, secure software architecture analysis, software test evaluation, and integration of applications
• Provides expertise on the decomposition of system level non-functional requirements and constraints down to software components to ensure that designs will pass certification

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field, e.g., computer science, computer engineering, software engineering
• 8+ years of relevant software systems engineering experience that demonstrates a strong grasp of all aspects of the software lifecycle
• Proficiency with C++03
• Familiarity with secure software development processes
• Demonstrated strong team and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
• Must possess a working knowledge of system and software design patterns and how to apply them correctly to a given design problem
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Must be able to travel occasionally to Government, contractor, and customer facilities

• 4+ years of experience actively architecting/designing software systems utilizing a working knowledge of software design patterns
• Proficiency with C++, C#, Python, or Rust
• Solid understanding of API security concerns
• Knowledge of Zero Trust software concepts
• DoD program office experience
• Systems engineering experience (DoD/INCOSE)
• Master's degree in a related field
• Active DoD TS/SCI clearance

• $99,000 - $156,000
  • Salary commensurate based 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 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 employment@sdl.usu.edu.