Job Summary

The Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) in the College of Engineering is seeking a Systems Engineer to support current and future space missions and instrument development projects.

SPRL is a facility of the College of Engineering that serves clients who are faculty, government agencies (such as NASA, NOAA, and DoD), and commercial companies in the development of unique integrated systems and instrumentation that are often used in challenging environments (e.g. space, artic, above/on/below the water). SPRL professional staff, with faculty and researchers, have built more than 35 space systems and instruments; instrumented numerous sounding rockets, balloons and aircraft; and developed ground-based instruments. For eight decades, this lab has been one of a handful of university centers able to conceive, design, construct, test, and operate space flight instruments ? a truly "end-to-end" operation.

The Systems Engineer Senior will report to the Engineering Manager and collaborate with other System Engineers. The Systems Engineer (SE) will adopt a multidisciplinary approach to design, build, test, and operate space systems and instruments. The SE will be responsible for the technical management of the assigned projects, including all hardware, software, equipment, facilities, and processes. The SE ensures that all subsystems and stakeholders work together to deliver a system that achieves all of its functional, physical, and operational performance parameters. The role and responsibilities of the SE for each project will vary depending on its size and complexity.

Responsibilities*

Based on available work, expected to support one or more small-medium projects (more than 2 personnel, less than $250K project annual budget), and assist Senior/Lead System Engineers in medium-large projects, including:

• Developing system architecture with the team including the system block diagram, packaging concept, and overall configuration
• Developing systems engineering verification and validation plans for instrument and subsystems
• Developing and maintaining instrument and subsystem requirements
• Facilitating communication between project manager, and subsystem team leadership
• Developing, maintaining, and reporting on systems engineering development and planning through project development
• Maintaining and reporting on system technical performance metrics such as mass, power, and volume; and system capabilities and key performance characteristics such as accuracy, resolution, and bandwidth.
• Coordinating with project management, keeping them informed of system progress, identifying and tracking issues that are of specific concern to the project manager and principal investigator
• Providing formal presentations at design reviews and briefings, and oral presentations to key stakeholders and managers.
• Ensuring issues, concerns, requirements, and priorities of each party are successfully transmitted to project management for evaluation

Required Qualifications*

• INTERMEDIATE: Bachelor Degree in Engineering or an equivalent degree directly related to the duties of this position
• SENIOR: Master's Degree in Space Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• INTERMEDIATE: One to three years of systems engineering experience with NASA, DoD, or similar satellite and rocket projects
• SENIOR: Three to five years of systems engineering experience with NASA, DoD, or similar satellite and rocket projects
• Experience in the use of standard engineering tools (Requirements Management Tools, CAD programs, electrical design programs)
• Knowledge of the unique requirements for electronics and/or materials operating in the space environment, especially as applied to small satellites

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's Degree in Space Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience in systems engineering leadership of complex space instrumentation
• Experience working with students on space systems projects

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification (INTERMEDIATE) depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate

Additional Information

A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

283114

Working Title

Systems Engineer Senior

Job Title

Engineer in Research Senior

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Engineering

Department

CoE Space Physics Research Lab

Posting Begin/End Date

9/17/2026 - 10/01/2026

Salary

$65,000.00 - $110,000.00

Career Interest

Engineering & Architecture