Launch Mission Integration 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 and Launch Site Engineering, Mission Integration, and Mission Assurance.  In this role as a Launch Mission Integration Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering), you will be a member of the integrated government/contractor Mission Team led by the OSL Mission Manager. Your focus will be on mission execution and mission success throughout the multi-year mission integration process for NRO missions from early integration studies through the final launch campaign.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing technical support to a government/contractor team focused on mission execution and mission success
• Coordinating Aerospace resources to resolve mission integration technical issues
• Advising the OSL Mission Manager on technical issues related to mission integration
• Validating and verifying space vehicle to launch vehicle interface requirements
• Monitoring and assessing launch system technical and schedule issues for mission impacts
• Performing readiness assessments at key milestones in support of NRO launch readiness and mission certification processes

What You Need to be Successful –

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

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• A minimum of 6 years of engineering experience in structures, propulsion, avionics, environments, flight mechanics, and/or systems engineering
• Ability to work effectively as part of a government/contractor team
• Willing to travel approx. 25% with extended durations during launch campaigns 
• This position requires 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.

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

• A minimum of 10 years of engineering experience in structures, propulsion, avionics, environments, flight mechanics, and/or systems engineering
• Demonstrated capability to work effectively as part of a team to resolve issues
• Ability to assess a large variety of technical data and identify items of highest significance

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM field or equivalent
• Experience with launch vehicle or space vehicle design, analysis, test, or operations
• Strong personal initiative
• Effective written and oral communication skills

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
• A 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.