Launch Systems Integration Engineer & Technical Advisor (SETA)

Space Systems Integration•Chantilly, VA

22h•$180,000 - $230,000

About The Position

SSI is seeking a Launch Systems Integration Engineer & Technical Advisor (SETA) to support mission-critical national security space programs within the Department of the Air Force and government partner organizations in Chantilly, Virginia. The role serves as a primary technical advisor and liaison among government program offices, payload developers, launch service providers, and operational stakeholders. It supports mission integration across the lifecycle, from concept development, trade studies, and requirements management through launch-site ground processing, launch-day operations, and post-flight mission analysis. The position leads technical evaluations, mission baselining, and integration activities. It includes coordinating end-to-end mission integration, defining baselines, conducting technical risk assessments, evaluating engineering products, monitoring interface compatibility, supporting technical reviews, and ensuring alignment with range safety, regulatory, and operational requirements. The engineer manages technical baselines, engineering change proposals, deviations, and non-conformances related to vehicle interfaces and launch-site ground processing. The role also provides on-site and console engineering support at launch-base facilities, including Cape Canaveral SFS, Vandenberg SFB, and Wallops Flight Facility, during spacecraft processing, encapsulation, transport, and mate operations. The position supports launch and mission readiness reviews, countdown rehearsals, and launch-day operations; assesses post-flight telemetry and performance data; and reports mission outcomes to leadership. It also monitors aerospace industry developments, emerging launch vehicle technologies, and new entrant capabilities to inform future mission planning.

Requirements

Active Top Secret / SCI clearance and ability to successfully obtain and maintain a polygraph and special accesses.
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related STEM discipline.
At least 5 years of technical experience in aerospace systems engineering, space mission integration, or spacecraft operations.
Demonstrated experience supporting mission integration processes, technical requirements evaluation, interface verification, and compliance with operational and range safety standards.
Ability to collaborate across multi-agency, multidisciplinary government and contractor teams.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to support technical decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Direct experience supporting Department of the Air Force (DAF), United States Space Force (USSF), Space Systems Command (SSC), or National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) programs.
Prior experience in a SETA, FFRDC, or government acquisition program office advising space or launch programs.
Active console experience during countdown operations, rehearsals, or launch-site ground operations.
Experience with multi-payload or rideshare mission integration.
Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) frameworks and SysML-based tools.
Experience utilizing engineering simulation tools or AI-enabled workflows to assist with technical evaluations.

Responsibilities

Coordinate end-to-end mission integration among government agencies, payload developers, launch service providers, and range authorities.
Define mission baselines, conduct trade studies, and perform technical risk assessments.
Evaluate engineering products and monitor interface compatibility.
Support milestone and technical readiness reviews, ensuring alignment with range safety, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Manage technical baselines, engineering change proposals (ECPs), deviations, and non-conformances related to vehicle interfaces and launch-site ground processing.
Provide on-site and console engineering support at launch-base facilities during spacecraft processing, encapsulation, transport, and mate operations.
Support Launch Readiness Reviews (LRRs), Mission Readiness Reviews (MRRs), countdown dress rehearsals, and day-of-launch operations.
Assess post-flight telemetry data and flight performance metrics and deliver mission success reports to leadership.
Monitor aerospace industry advancements, emerging launch vehicle technologies, and new entrant capabilities to inform future mission planning.