Launch Subject Matter Expert; SME

VTG is seeking Launch Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in Colorado Springs, CO, and Los Angeles, CA.

Launch Subject Matter Experts (LSMEs)

LSMEs provide specialized technical support to assigned programs and projects, ensuring compliance with NRO Corporate Policies. Candidates should possess General Level IV (G4) qualifications, preferably with a STEM degree, along with specific expertise as detailed below.

They have experience in planning, conducting, and advising on technical studies, design reviews, and requirements management. They can understand, synthesize, and derive launch system requirements, applying advanced knowledge and innovative methods. They perform technical assessments, evaluate systems, identify issues, suggest enhancements, and support mission assurance and data management activities.

LSMEs are recognized experts in launch specifications and utilization, often holding advanced degrees and specialized experience. They support documentation development for planning, milestones, requirements, and performance monitoring, as well as preparing program briefs and meetings.

• Support LV & SV contractor reviews for progress, issues, and requirements traceability.
• Provide insights on LV issues affecting interfaces, hardware, or infrastructure.
• Facilitate launch collaboration between NASA, USSF, NRO/IC, and OSL.
• Develop and coordinate certification guides, policies, and instructions.
• Generate lessons learned for mission teams.
• Assess strategic impacts of launch vehicle fleet changes.
• Support new entrant initiatives and relationships with emerging launch companies.
• Assist in certification processes and establishing frameworks for recurring mission certification.
• Monitor hardware and fleet-wide issues impacting mission assurance.
• Support development of mission certification requirements and provide assessments of launch alternatives.

Current and active TS/SCI with Poly clearance. Experience requirements can be substituted as follows:

• Support contractor reviews and assess progress and issues.
• Provide insights on launch vehicle interfaces and hardware.
• Facilitate collaboration among agencies.
• Develop certification policies and lessons learned.
• Assess impacts of fleet changes and support new entrants.
• Act as a decision support resource for the OSL Director.
• Monitor and resolve fleet and hardware issues.
• Reconcile launch requirements with mission plans.
• Standardize launch vehicle readiness activities.
• Develop mission assurance requirements and assessments.

Estimated starting pay is $150,000 - $210,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and market factors. VTG considers various factors when extending offers, which may fall outside this range.