Associate Systems Engineer

New ideas surround us, but only a few will change the world. We are building upon RPS design philosophies that have stood the test of time, and this is your opportunity to become part of a team that brings us one step closer. If you desire to create something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for UDRI.

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) Space Power Systems Office develops advanced power technologies that enable the next generation of space exploration missions. Working with sponsors including NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and commercial industry, our multidisciplinary teams research, design, prototype, test, and qualify novel space power systems capable of operating in some of the harshest environments ever encountered.

We are seeking an early-career Systems Engineer to support the development of advanced radioisotope power systems (RPS), spacecraft power architectures, thermal systems, and related aerospace technologies. Working alongside experienced engineers and scientists, the successful candidate will participate in systems engineering, digital engineering, hardware integration, testing, and technology maturation activities spanning concept development through prototype demonstration.

This position is intended to provide progressive experience across systems engineering, design, analysis, assembly, integration, and qualification activities, preparing engineers for increasing technical responsibility as they develop within the organization. It also provides an excellent opportunity to develop technical breadth across multiple engineering disciplines while contributing to pioneering aerospace programs supporting national security and space exploration.

Responsibilities:

Systems Engineering
• Assist in developing system requirements, interface definitions, verification methods, and technical documentation.
• Support development and maintenance of system architectures and technical baselines.
• Participate in engineering trade studies and technical evaluations.
• Apply systems engineering, MBSE, and digital engineering tools under senior engineer mentorship.

Engineering Analysis
• Support engineering analyses including structural, thermal, electrical, and reliability assessments.
• Assist in interpreting analysis results and documenting engineering recommendations.
• Support development of verification and validation plans.

Assembly, Integration & Test
• Support assembly, integration, checkout, and testing of prototype hardware.
• Assist in preparing test procedures, data packages, and technical documentation.
• Participate in laboratory testing and data collection.
• Help investigate technical issues identified during assembly and testing.

Customer Support
• Participate in technical meetings with government and industry sponsors.
• Prepare technical presentations and engineering documentation.
• Support proposal preparation and technical reports.

Professional Development
• Develop technical knowledge in systems engineering, spacecraft power systems, and qualification methodologies through mentoring and project experience.
• Continuously improve engineering skills through formal training and hands-on project participation.

• B.S. degree in Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• At least two years of engineering experience.
• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, or graduate research experience.
• Exposure to systems engineering principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software.
• Exposure to MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar engineering software.
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering concepts.
• Experience participating in engineering design projects.
• Interest in aerospace systems, spacecraft, power systems, or energy technologies.

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.