Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer

Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators.

Join us and take your place in space.

The Launch Systems Division (LSD) helps our customers develop innovative solutions in support of military, human space flight, and commercial applications by interfacing with organizations such as the United States Space Force, NASA, DARPA, NRO, and FAA. Our people provide customers timely, value added, decision quality information and analyses to solve technical and programmatic issues to outpace the threat. We are seeking a well-qualified Launch Vehicle Systems Engineer with proven technical leadership and outstanding communication abilities to be part of a team that supports and shapes the future of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program (USSF/SSC/SA) as part of the Space Access Systems Delta 80 organization.

We on-ramp emerging launch vehicles (e.g., New Glenn, Neutron, Nova) to accommodate NSS missions that can tolerate elevated flight risks using the NSSL Lane 1 acquisition approach. Our team coordinates and maintains support for the evaluation of launch vehicle design, launch service provider processes, operational capabilities, and tiered mission assurance processes. Are you ready to launch your career in this exciting new mission area?

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA, at LAAFB in the SSC/SYD
80 Program Office, part of a customer-facing team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide technical leadership for NSSL Lane 1 acquisition effort, including RFP development, source selection, and contract execution
• Work closely with Space Access Director of Engineering and staff to develop and maintain NSSL Lane 1 mission assurance and systems engineering processes
• Develop and maintain NSSL Lane 1 mission assurance command media, contractual documents, compliance documents (e.g. NSSL-S-016), and launch verification matrix
• Support launch systems design and process reviews of NSSL new entrants
• Communicate status and progress of technical activities, issues, and accomplishments through reports and briefings to Aerospace, Space Force, and contractor teams
• Support New Glenn GS3 certification plan development and execution
• Develop AI tools to help engineers perform mission assurance tasks (e.g., compliance gap assessments, acquisition assessments, launch forecasts, risk assessments)
• Develop data ingestion and integration tools to automate data flows

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Senior MTS
- Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering:

• Bachelor of Science degree in a technical or STEM-related area of study
• 5 or more years of professional growth and related experience with launch or space vehicle hardware
• Familiarity with launch or space vehicle hardware design, analysis, and testing
• Familiarity with Python and AI LLMs for data reviews, analysis, and task automations
• Track record in coordinating or participating in technical team efforts
• Ability to travel as needed (mostly domestic)
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer
- Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering include:

• 8 or more years of professional growth and related experience with launch or space vehicle hardware
• Strong familiarity with launch or space vehicle hardware design, analysis, and testing
• Strong familiarity with Python and AI LLMs for data reviews, analysis, and task automation
• Track record in leading or participating in multi-disciplinary technical team efforts

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• An advanced STEM degree
• Hands-on experience working with launch vehicle or spacecraft hardware
• Expertise in the design, analysis, and testing of launch vehicle or spacecraft hardware
• Proficiency in design, analysis, and testing of launch vehicle systems
• Familiarity with NSSL processes, specifications, and standards
• Proficiency in using Python or other programming languages for data review and analysis
• Proficiency in using AI LLMs for task automation
• Innovative and futuristic thinking to drive continuous improvement

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are…