Systems and Mission Assurance Engineer (Casual)

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 Office of Space Launch Mission Assurance Team (OSL MAT) has been executing the NRO Mission Director’s independent launch vehicle mission assurance program since 1995, built on the premise of early engagement, technical independence, and constant communication.  The Aerospace Corporation has provided the technical leadership for this multi-organizational and geographically dispersed team since its inception.  Come join us and realize the immediate impacts of your work aiding key decision makers through launch. 

We are looking for a Systems and Mission Assurance Engineer in the Mission Assurance Department to support our NRO customer and collaborate with our industry and Space Force partners.  Your work will involve the discovery, evaluation and assessment of launch vehicle technical risks, informing the NRO’s milestone decisions on the road to launch.

This position is a casual position located 100% onsite at our El Segundo, CA., campus. Casual employment is normally for fewer than 20 hours a week, usually non-continuous, irregular, and infrequent. Casual employment must be less than 500 hours in a calendar year.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Through the OSL MAT, serve as the launch vehicle overwatch of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to deliver National Technical Capabilities to orbit

• Support the MAT organization to execute independent engineering and technical readiness assessments of NRO launch vehicle flight hardware build and operation from the factory to the launch site, and through day of launch

• Actively engage and network with Aerospace engineering and program office groups, launch vehicle contractors and government agencies to support MAT risk assessments

• Daily support to U.S. Government customers related to the investigation and disposition of launch vehicle issues, anomalies, and recovery plans through the coordination of Aerospace, support contractor, and Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) teammates across the MAT Technical Panels

• Advise or take point in the investigation, evaluation and assessment of launch vehicle technical risk, supporting the team of Aerospace and SETA technical experts on the avionics panel

• Initiate technical support for the Avionics Panel from ETG, Physical Sciences Labs or other corporate resources

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Information Systems or other STEM

• 12 years of experience in Electronics, RF Communications, AFSS and Launch Vehicle Avionics

• Experience working with DOD customers, launch vehicle contractors and FFRDC teams

• Experience in evaluating the design, test data, test plans and analyses of launch vehicle avionics

• Experience working with United Launch Alliance and SpaceX launch vehicle fleets and programs

• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 15%

• This position requires a current and active TS/SBI/SCI 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:

• 20 years of experience in Electronics, RF Communications, AFSS and Launch Vehicle Avionics

• Leadership experience in supporting US Air Force/Space Force, NRO and NASA launch programs, mission assurance and launch vehicle software and avionics certification

• Experience managing STE/PTS budget, ETG tasking and workload and presentation of risk assessments to senior leadership

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 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.