Senior Mission Assurance Engineer

ispace•Englewood, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

ispace U.S. is seeking a Senior Mission Assurance Engineer to ensure the safety, reliability, and mission readiness of spacecraft and lunar exploration programs. The role provides independent technical oversight throughout the mission lifecycle and collaborates with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program Management to identify risks, assess system reliability, and ensure compliance with applicable safety and mission assurance requirements. The engineer will help protect personnel, hardware, and missions by advancing proactive risk management, sound engineering practices, and a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. The position supports assurance activities across spacecraft design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, qualification, testing, and mission readiness. It includes system safety and hazard management, reliability analysis, oversight of parts, materials, processes, contamination control, workmanship, and software and firmware assurance, as well as evaluation of nonconformances, failures, investigations, and corrective actions. The role also coordinates mission-specific requirements such as range and launch safety, planetary protection, and orbital debris mitigation. The posted targeted salary range is $133,000–$200,000 per year. Base compensation may be negotiated and will be commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training; final job level and salary are determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and potential impact. The role offers hybrid work flexibility, depending on the role and program stage, and opportunities for domestic and international travel. Applicants must meet U.S. Government space technology export-control eligibility requirements. Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of a background investigation; the workplace is drug-free, and the employer participates in E-Verify.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
At least 10 years of experience in aerospace mission assurance, system safety, reliability engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience supporting complex aerospace programs through design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing, and mission readiness.
Strong understanding of aerospace Safety and Mission Assurance principles, system safety, reliability engineering, and technical risk management.
Demonstrated experience conducting or reviewing hazard analyses, safety assessments, reliability evaluations, and verification of hazard controls.
Knowledge of reliability engineering methodologies, including FMEA/FMECA, Fault Tree Analysis, critical item assessments, and single-point failure analysis.
Working knowledge of NASA Safety and Mission Assurance standards and practices, particularly those related to System Safety, Reliability, EEE Parts, Materials and Processes, and Software Assurance.
Understanding of aerospace hardware and software development lifecycles, qualification processes, and mission readiness requirements.
Familiarity with applicable OSHA regulations, EHS requirements, workplace hazard assessments, and hazardous operations.
Experience participating in technical reviews and evaluating program risks, compliance documentation, and supporting engineering evidence.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to exercise independent technical judgment and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, to meet U.S. Government space technology export regulations.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for an employment offer.

Nice To Haves

Experience applying NASA Safety and Mission Assurance standards and requirements to spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other complex aerospace programs.
Direct involvement in major technical and program lifecycle reviews, including Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), and Mission Readiness Reviews (MRR).
Experience developing and implementing Safety and Mission Assurance plans for spacecraft, lunar exploration, or other mission-critical aerospace systems.
Advanced experience conducting system safety analyses, reliability assessments, hazard tracking, and technical risk evaluations throughout the mission lifecycle.
Familiarity with NASA and industry requirements related to range and launch safety, contamination control, planetary protection, and orbital debris mitigation.
Experience evaluating mission-critical hardware and software failures, leading technical investigations, and assessing corrective actions for potential mission impacts.
Knowledge of EEE parts assurance, Materials and Processes controls, software and firmware assurance, and aerospace workmanship requirements.
OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training or willingness to complete the training after hire.
Experience applying Lean Six Sigma, structured problem-solving techniques, or continuous improvement methodologies to strengthen safety, reliability, and mission assurance processes.
Demonstrated ability to independently identify and communicate significant technical risks, influence cross-functional decisions, and drive effective risk mitigation.
Passion for space exploration and commitment to ensuring the safety, reliability, and success of missions that advance humanity’s presence on the Moon.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain program Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) plans and ensure compliance with applicable NASA, customer, regulatory, and program requirements.
Provide independent mission assurance oversight during spacecraft design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, qualification, testing, and mission readiness activities.
Participate in major program lifecycle and technical reviews, assessing safety, reliability, critical items, outstanding risks, and verification evidence.
Lead and coordinate system safety and hazard management, including hazard identification, safety analyses, risk assessments, hazard controls, and verification of compliance with applicable EHS and OSHA requirements.
Independently assess safety and mission risks, evaluate mitigation effectiveness and residual risk, and elevate significant concerns through established risk management processes.
Coordinate reliability assurance activities, including FMEA/FMECA, Fault Tree Analysis, single-point failure assessments, critical item identification, fault tolerance, and limited-life considerations.
Provide mission assurance oversight of EEE parts, Materials and Processes, contamination control, workmanship standards, and software and firmware assurance.
Coordinate applicable range and launch safety, planetary protection, orbital debris mitigation, and other mission-specific assurance requirements.
Evaluate hardware and software nonconformances, failures, investigations, and corrective actions for potential impacts on personnel safety, system reliability, and mission success.
Monitor significant hazards, critical items, and mission assurance concerns, ensuring effective risk mitigation, appropriate documentation, and timely resolution.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to incorporate lessons learned, strengthen assurance processes, and drive continuous improvement throughout the mission lifecycle.
Promote a proactive culture of safety, technical excellence, accountability, and mission success across the organization.

Benefits

Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.
Hybrid work flexibility, with remote and in-office work depending on role and program stage.
Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.
Monthly stipend for meals from the company café.
18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.
401(k) plan with company matching.
Opportunities for domestic and international travel.
Participation in the company stock option program.
Learning and development opportunities, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and professional development stipends.
Regular team gatherings and monthly events in a fun, casual environment.