Launch Vehicle Engineering Project Leader

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, development planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape the future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including US Space Force, U.S Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of services and support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers but also horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. DSG also assists 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 Launch Systems, Operations, and Development (LSOD) team within the Launch Systems Division is seeking a well-qualified individual with demonstrated leadership and exceptional communication abilities to coordinate the continuous configuration evaluation of the Falcon Launch System and manage New Glenn certification activities. The Launch Vehicle Engineering Project Leader will coordinate and maintain support for the evaluation of the Falcon launch vehicle design, operational capabilities, and mission assurance to ensure it meets the government evaluation criteria for non-recurring design validation and recurring verification. Responsibilities will also include independent verification and validation support for New Glenn certification. This is an excellent opportunity to develop new verification methodologies and tools to improve assessment and tracking efficiency.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA at Los Angeles Air Force Base.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead Dynamic Environments technical team system and component level assessments for Falcon and New Glenn

• Provide technical guidance on contractor analyses, test plans, and results to customer

• Work closely with New Glenn Chief Engineer and Certification Lead to manage New Glenn flight critical items dynamic environment test verification

• Work closely with the Falcon Chief Engineer and Assured Access to Space Directorate to maintain the technical baseline

• Coordinate and maintain support for the evaluation of the Falcon Launch System design, operational capabilities, and mission assurance

• Ensure Falcon Launch System meets the government evaluation criteria for non-recurring design validation, recurring verification, and reuse extension

• Ensure the Falcon Launch System interface and vehicle requirements and documentation are compliant with EELV program top-level requirements

• Support configuration control efforts to maintain vehicle baseline acceptance

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements - Project Leader - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering:

• B.S. in Engineering or Physical Science from a recognized institution

• 8 or more years of applicable launch aerospace engineering experience (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD)

• Experience in working with variety of engineering disciplines

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with numerous internal and external organizations

• This position requires 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering or related discipline

• Advanced knowledge of Structural Dynamics and/or Dynamic Environments methodologies and tools

• Familiarity with Standard Interface Specification requirements and System Performance Requirements Document as well as SMC standards related to launch vehicle and spacecraft environments