Senior Systems Engineer (Space Launch)

Location: Wallops Island, VA, USA

Work Location: onsite

• Perform professional, scientific, or technical work related to aerospace engineering projects, facilities, and systems.
• Conduct planning, design, testing, evaluation, cost analysis, project, and program management for space vehicle launch operations.
• Manage the quality and execution of projects to meet technical and safety standards.
• Monitor contractor performance, both externally and on-site, ensuring compliance with technical requirements, scope, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Plan, develop, coordinate, and lead aerospace vehicle launch and landing operations, ensuring mission success.
• Familiarize yourself with the total space vehicle system and flight objectives to develop safe and effective operational strategies.
• Plan pre-launch, launch, and post-landing activities in collaboration with internal teams, NASA representatives, and additional stakeholders.
• Develop detailed procedures for preflight assembly, testing, and system checkout of space vehicles and key subsystems.
• Create comprehensive launch and landing plans that address range safety requirements, countdown procedures, range clearance, and supporting operations (e.g., tracking, instrumentation, and data handling).
• Direct, execute, and oversee the actual launch and landing operations, including activities immediately following the mission's initiation.
• Prepare and evaluate operational facilities for safe vehicle landing, and generate detailed reports analyzing mission success and areas for improvement.
• Conduct special studies and assist in problem-solving for NASA programs, addressing technical and operational challenges to improve processes and efficiency.
• Provide analytical decision support and contribute to solutions that align with mission goals and overarching program objectives.

• Active Secret clearance required (TOP SECRET clearance or eligibility is highly desired).
• Demonstrated experience in the launch, testing, and operational management of space vehicles.
• Strong working knowledge and experience with launch vehicle flight safety principles and operational best practices.
• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related science field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of program management and analytical experience.
• Experience with acquisition, contract oversight, or government program management.

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related science field.
• Prior experience in supporting NASA or Department of Defense space programs and mission operations.
• Advanced certification in aerospace or systems engineering and/or project management.
• Proficiency in leveraging tools and software essential for aerospace design, testing, and operational analysis.