Mission Certification Engineer 3 (Propulsion-Mechanical Engineer)

United Launch Alliance•Cape Canaveral, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

United Launch Alliance is hiring a Propulsion Mission Certification Engineer (MCE) for its Cape Canaveral launch site. The role serves as an engineering representative embedded with Launch Operations, combining liaison and field engineering to process and certify launch vehicles, resolve obstacles, support mission success, and ensure Design Center requirements are upheld. The position focuses on assessing system and subsystem readiness, verifying hardware conformity and functional performance throughout launch processing, and providing subject matter expertise to Launch Operations. The engineer reports to the Launch Site Mission Certification Lead and works closely with Responsible Systems Engineers (RSEs) and Vehicle Systems Engineers (VSEs). The role seeks launch vehicle propulsion engineering experience in one or more areas: hydraulic power, actuators and thrust vector control; cryogenic propellant supply and control; pneumatic supply, pressurization and control; or liquid rocket engines. The engineer will also support launch-day anomaly resolution from the Engineering Support Area of the Launch Control Center.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field from an accredited college or university.
At least 4 years of applicable experience in the associated technical areas.
Experience in at least one of the following: hydraulic power, actuators and thrust vector control systems; cryogenic propellant supply and control systems; pneumatic supply, pressurization and control systems; or liquid rocket engines.
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, because the position requires use of ITAR-controlled information.

Nice To Haves

Engineering Material Review Board (MRB) training or certification.
Previous experience supporting launch operations, vehicle processing, and/or certification for launch.
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 certification.
Earn and maintain a Mission Certification Engineer credential in assigned systems.
Visually inspect launch vehicle hardware to ensure it conforms 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 Responsible Systems Engineers (RSEs), Authorized Systems Engineers (ASEs), 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 while embedded with Operations to advise Design Center personnel about operational realities.
Document and present risk posture and launch readiness status to the 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.