Student: Engineering Assistant

Job ID: 5808
Date Posted: January 5, 2026

The Strategic & Military Space Division at the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) 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.

At SDL, we take pride in and highly value our employees. We are seeking a Systems Engineering Student to work in our Strategic & Military Space Division.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Performs reliability and resilience assessments of engineered systems with automated and human-in-the-loop components
• Creates system dynamics models for scenario building and simulation
• Characterizes strengths and weaknesses of various system modeling approaches for assessing reliability and resilience of space systems
• Coordinates systems engineering activities with program management, program leads, lead Engineers, and functional management
• Participates in teams of systems engineers applying MBSE methodologies and tools
• Works with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to model system activities, modes, logical, and physical architectures, requirements tracing, and drive system understanding
• Communicates system model/architecture development to a diverse set of program customers
• Creates professional written products for team members and project stakeholders

Requirements:

• Experience in systems engineering for space systems
• Experience using SysML and Cameo to integrate large system models
• Experience using system dynamics modeling and resilience modeling for complex systems
• Experience with formulating and solving nonlinear systems of differential equations
• Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work well in a team with other students and professionals
• Strong initiative and ability to see the job through
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, or other US person

Education:

• Must be currently enrolled in a graduate engineering program at Utah State University
• Must have a 3.0 GPA minimum

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with information and data transfer between local and cloud systems
• Experience using simulation platforms such as Simulink, Vensim, or similar tools

Student Scholar Program: SDL provides unique opportunities for student employees to develop real-world experience and knowledge beyond the classroom through our Student Scholar Program. This program offers monthly technical workshops, outreach activities, and academic stipends to eligible student employees. All SDL student employees are invited to participate in the program to expand their professional network while supporting SDL's mission.

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.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.