Launch Systems Engineer

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 National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The NSG Launch Directorate provides direct technical support to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Office of Space Launch (OSL) in the areas of Launch Systems Engineering, Mission Integration Engineering, Launch Site Engineering, and Mission Assurance.  In your role as a Launch Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering), you will be a member of the OSL Engineering Team and provide direct support to the OSL Chief Engineer. Your responsibilities will be to assist OSL in developing and maintaining the launch capability baseline of current and future launch vehicles to meet NRO requirements. You will also evaluate technical risks, participate in anomaly investigations, and provide status and recommendations to support risk mitigation efforts for OSL missions.

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide direct support to the OSL Chief Engineer and Launch Directorate Chief Engineer as a member of the OSL Engineering Team
• Perform fleet monitoring of active launch systems and new launch system development to support NRO launch vehicle certification assessments
• Evaluate launch system technical issues and participate in launch system anomaly investigations which may affect NRO launch schedules or result in NRO mission risks
• Work closely with OSL Mission Assurance Team, Launch Management Division, and Launch Acquisition Division to resolve launch system technical issues and mitigate launch system risks
• Provide timely and responsive status and recommendations to OSL leadership and mission teams
• Perform readiness assessments at key milestones in support of NRO launch readiness and mission certification processes including day of launch decisions
• Engage with external United States Space Force, NASA, and Aerospace program offices to address OSL objectives and concerns

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering:

• Bachelor’s OR Advanced degree in a STEM field
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in launch vehicle or space vehicle design, analysis, test, integration, or operations
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team to resolve issues
• Proven ability to interface proactively and communicate complex technical subject matter effectively with all levels of customers, contractors, and peers
• Willing to travel 20% with extended durations during launch campaigns 
• This position requires a TS/SSBI security clearance along with the ability to obtain a SCI and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Sr. Project Engineer – Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering include:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in launch vehicle or space vehicle design, analysis, test, integration, or operations
• Demonstrated ability to assess a large variety of technical data and identify items of highest significance
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently with minimal direct supervision

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree in a STEM field
• Strong personal initiative
• A current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$117,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.