Project Engineer - Mission Engineering

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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Summary of Responsibilities
We are looking for Project Engineer that is motivated to create an environment of innovation and success! In this position you will develop new methods for rapidly developing technical solutions and apply tailored mission assurance principles to leading edge missions in support of the Office of Space Launch (OSL). As a Mission Engineer you will be responsible for technical and programmatic aspects of launch system integration for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) and/or small launch class missions for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) programs.
Key Functions

• Primary responsibilities cover the integration of satellite systems with their launch vehicle systems. Mission requirements development and verification activities will cover ground, launch, ascent, and deployment phases of operations.
• Serve as the primary interface between launch vehicle and spacecraft Program Offices and respective contractors.
• Perform and coordinate technical analysis and support for mission integration and mission success.
• Coordinate Aerospace resources to support analyses, document reviews, engineering change notice reviews, technical meetings, data reviews, readiness reviews, and operations in multiple disciplines.
• Develop innovative strategies for conducting mission assurance principles for NSSL class missions.
• Develop innovative strategies for tailoring mission assurance principles for small class missions.
• Perform mission design trades, develop mission integration strategies, and tailor mission assurance requirements for small launch missions.
• Represent Aerospace initiatives and capabilities to the OSL and other Aerospace organizations.
• Coordinate Aerospace resources to support analyses, document reviews, engineering change notice reviews, technical meetings, data reviews, readiness reviews, and operations in multiple disciplines.
• Present independent technical positions on issues and focus topics identified by the customer and other stakeholders.
• Make sound technical recommendations for the customer based on facts and data, in some cases on aggressive timelines and with limited detailed information.
• Manage and track mission verification activities leading up to the day of launch.
• Develop and incorporate mission integration requirements and strategies into program planning for future launch service acquisitions.
• Establish effective working relationships with spacecraft programs and launch vehicle and space vehicle contractors. Work effectively with customer personnel at all levels.
• Prepare and present mission readiness briefings at major readiness reviews.
• Attend and report on technical meetings addressing requirements, ground operations, and mission success.
• Some travel will be required toto various contractor facilities, government facilities and launch sites.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field from a recognized institution
• Minimum of 8 years of satellite engineering and/or space launch experience
• Appropriate experience in Space Vehicle/Launch Vehicle integration and requirements verification
• Proactive work ethic with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to achieve results through influence rather than direction
• Experience in communicating and presenting to a broad range of customers while maintaining high standards of data protection
• Ability to lead/coordinate teams comprised of diversely skilled engineers to provide guidance and recommendations to the customer on technical challenges pertaining to launch systems and launch integration.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and effectively resolve complex issues in a timely manner, and to simultaneously work multiple issues.
• Strong initiative, good communications skills, and the ability to build and maintain effective interpersonal relations are essential.
• Must have ability to effectively work as part of a multiple-sited Aerospace team.
• This position requires a current and active TS/SSBI, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or related field from a recognized institution.
• Understanding of launch vehicle interfaces mission design analysis and launch base operations
• Direct experience performing mission design trades, developing mission integration strategies, and tailoring mission assurance requirements for launch missions
• Experience tailoring traditional engineering standards applied to part selection, integration, and test for NRO programs and/or other National Security Space missions
• Experience coordinating with Aerospace Engineering Matrix organizations to quickly identify appropriate resources and provide quality assessments to fulfill customer needs
• Direct experience with launch vehicles, emerging launch systems and/or small satellite launch capabilities
• Direct experience with space vehicle hardware (design, fabrication, integration, and testing) is desirable.
• Effective written communication skills are highly desirable.

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.