Launch Vehicle Avionics and Electrical Systems

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, developmental planning, system of systems engineering, and threat reduction to help shape future space missions across the national security space enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including Space Operations Command, U.S. Strategic 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.

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 launch vehicle avionics and electrical systems Senior Project 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.

Work Model

• This is a full-time position based in Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You will be the Aerospace Responsible Engineer (ARE) for assigned systems at the launch site, and will be responsible for assigned Launch Verification Matrix (LVM) technical assessment actions as defined in the JIRA Database

• Technical assessments include 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

What You Need to be Successful as a Senior Project Engineer

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, mathematics or related technical field

• 10 or more years of applicable experience with increasing levels of responsibility

• Broad and deep experience in launch vehicle systems and processing or a related aerospace or aeronautics industry to include most or all of the following flight systems: avionics, telemetry, power and distribution, radio frequency (RF) systems, guidance, flight software, flight controls and flight termination systems

• 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 occasional 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

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Launch vehicle processing experience including launch site processing, integration, testing and launch countdown operations

• Experience with designing, activating and sustaining launch complex ground electrical systems as well as familiarity with launch complex related ground system industry, Range Safety and USAF/USSF standards is highly desired

• Experience working with launch complex Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) associated with launch vehicle avionics, ground telemetry, RF systems as well as ground and flight software interfaces 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

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)

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********* or by email at  . You can also review .