Mission Certification Engineer 2 (Avionics Engineer)

United Launch Alliance•Cape Canaveral, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

United Launch Alliance is seeking an Avionics Mission Certification Engineer (MCE) for its Cape Canaveral launch site. The role supports processing and certifying launch vehicles for launch, serving as an engineering representative and liaison to Launch Operations. The MCE helps remove obstacles to mission success while ensuring Design Center requirements are upheld. The position focuses on assessing system and subsystem readiness and verifying hardware conformity and functional performance throughout launch processing. It reports to the Launch Site Mission Certification Lead and works closely with Responsible Systems Engineers (RSEs) and Vehicle Systems Engineers (VSEs). The position seeks launch vehicle avionics engineering experience in one or more areas: guidance, navigation, and flight control systems; 1553/Ethernet communication protocols and systems; inertial monitoring systems; electrical/flight control loop design; or general electrical system troubleshooting. The role requires hands-on hardware assessment, review of test data, coordination with engineering and operations teams, and support for launch readiness and anomaly resolution. The position is based at ULA’s Cape Canaveral facility, requires 10% travel, and may offer relocation. Applicants must be U.S. Persons under ITAR requirements and must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field from an accredited college or university.
At least 2 years of applicable experience in the relevant technical areas.
Experience in at least one of the following areas: guidance, navigation, and flight control systems; 1553/Ethernet communication protocols and systems; inertial monitoring systems; electrical and flight control loop design; or general electrical system troubleshooting.
Experience resolving issues and working with cross-functional teams.
Ability to critically review inputs and identify missing or inconsistent information or data.
Proven ability to build effective working relationships, especially across geographic boundaries.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR.

Nice To Haves

Engineering Material Review Board (MRB) training or certification.
Previous experience supporting launch operations, vehicle processing, and/or launch certification.
Demonstrated ability to function as a Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE) or Mission Certification Engineer (MCE) on systems or subsystems of expertise.

Responsibilities

Detect, diagnose, and resolve vehicle hardware non-conformances and performance anomalies.
Earn and maintain Material Review Board (MRB) certification.
Earn and maintain a Mission Certification Engineer credential in assigned systems.
Visually inspect launch vehicle hardware to verify conformance to design requirements.
Review test data to ensure systems perform to specification and within family norms.
Ensure operations plans meet engineering intent.
Coordinate and execute design changes.
Coordinate engineering-significant anomalies with the Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE), Authorized Systems Engineers (ASE), and Chief Engineers.
Seek out and implement improvements to design, test, and operations processes.
Provide subject matter expertise on assigned systems to Launch Operations.
Use knowledge gained through embedded work with Operations to guide Design Center personnel on operational realities.
Document and present risk posture and launch readiness status to Chief Engineers.
Support launches from the Engineering Support Area of the Launch Control Center as a member of the Day of Launch Anomaly Resolution Team.
Develop and maintain Engineering Walkdown Checklists; define requirements for close-out photos; and approve close-out photos taken by Launch Operations.