Sr. Launch Vehicle Propulsion and Mechanical Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • Vandenberg SFB, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. The Range Directorate provides critical mission assurance to the United States Space Force (USSF) for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions from both coasts: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) and Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB). The Range Directorate Sr. Launch Vehicle Propulsion and Mechanical Systems Engineer will provide technical risk assessments of flight hardware as well as associated critical ground systems during refurbishment, maintenance, and launch to assure launch vehicle systems are successfully processed and ready to support the NSSL program. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL or Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, mathematics or related technical field.
• 12 or more years of applicable experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Ability to leverage experience and thrive in a highly visible, dynamic environment by establishing effective and responsive relationships with USG customers and contractor personnel.
• Ability to identify and discern emergency conditions, don Emergency Life Saving Apparatus gear, and exit safely from elevated work areas.
• Ability to obtain and maintain privileges to operate a motor vehicle on property under Space Launch Delta 30 and 45 and NASA Kennedy Space Center jurisdiction.
• Support off-shift work requirements and domestic travel, as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with cryogenic rocket engines is highly desired.
• Experience with designing, activating and sustaining launch complex ground mechanical, propellant, and pressurization systems as well as familiarity with launch complex related ground system industry, Range Safety and USAF/USSF standards is highly desired.
• Bachelor of Science degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Launch vehicle processing experience including launch site processing, integration, testing and launch countdown operations.
• Experience with designing, activating and sustaining launch complex ground mechanical, propulsion, and pressurization systems as well as familiarity with launch complex related ground system industry, Range Safety and USAF/USSF standards is highly desired.
• Understanding of launch vehicle manufacturing, defect evaluation and repair, refurbishment, recurring maintenance, qualification and acceptance testing, ground system interfaces, integration and launch verification processes, especially as they impact launch site processing.
• Experience with development, investigation and testing of launch vehicles for USAF/USSF missions.
• Ability to effectively present results, deliver briefings, compose high quality technical reports and recommendations to senior-level Aerospace and customer management (technical and non-technical).
• Experience working with government, FFRDC, SETA and/or launch vehicle contractor organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical risk assessments of flight hardware as well as associated critical ground systems during refurbishment, maintenance, and launch to assure launch vehicle systems are successfully processed and ready to support the NSSL program.
• Be the Aerospace Responsible Engineer (ARE) for assigned systems at the launch site.
• Be responsible for assigned Launch Verification Matrix (LVM) technical assessment actions as defined in the JIRA Database.
• Support bi-coastal operations and mission assurance responsibilities requiring frequent travel between launch sites.
• Perform technical assessments including procedure reviews, post-test data reviews, independent anomaly assessments, real-time test and operations support to include problem identification and resolution as well as Day-of-Launch countdown support.
• Participate in the customer launch verification process providing independent technical recommendations on flight worthiness and technical risk.
• Perform technical assessments of Falcon flight and ground systems hardware during refurbishment maintenance, and launch processing in support of the USSF NSSL program.
• Assist with fleet surveillance duties for non-NSSL missions.
• Establish effective interfaces with the Aerospace Program Office, Space Launch Delta 30 and 45, USSF Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) program office and launch vehicle contractor personnel.
• Observe/evaluate hazardous operations performed by the launch vehicle contractor at elevated locations on launch complexes and in launch vehicle hardware processing facilities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior