Electrical Engineer, Vandenberg Launch Engineering & Operations

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.

The Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. Our staff includes subject matter experts  (SMEs) across a broad range of disciplines including radio frequency (RF); infrared; visible and spectral sensors; sensor exploitation methods; analog and digital electronics; vehicle power systems; and space system electronic parts, materials, and processes. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories, prototyping, modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables ESD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. 

The Electronics and Power Systems Department within ESD is part of Aerospace’s National Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) with work locations across the United States.   This career opportunity is with the Western Range Directorate (WRD), which provides critical mission assurance services and support to a broad range of customers that operate at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), to include the Air Force, Space Force, NRO, MDA, AFGSC and others. The WRD space launch engineering and operations team provides assessments of ground infrastructure and facilities at the launch site. You will also assess launch vehicle systems processing and readiness to support the launch of national security space (NSS) missions.

You will be responsible for systems engineering support of SpaceX Falcon and ULA Vulcan ground support equipment, and facility items, along with processing of launch vehicle avionics, electrical systems, guidance, navigation, and controls, etc., at Space Launch Complex (SLC)-4E, SLC-6 and SLC-3E.  You will report to the WRD Systems Director for Launch Engineering & Operations.

Work Model: This is a  fullt-time position based at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), California, offering a hybrid work model that combines 4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business

What You’ll Be Doing

• Collaborate with the Space Force and internal Aerospace customers to implement the NSS launch mission assurance assessments and other tasks associated with NSS launches from VSFB.
• 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 and follow-on support.

• Support checkout and requirements verification of launch site systems and operations, pre-launch ground support equipment (GSE) readiness, pre-launch critical GSE and flight hardware processing.  Major areas of responsibility include:
  • Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) and related software for command and control of ground and airborne systems,
  • Launch complex electrical power distribution, switching and redundancy/resilience,
  • RF and lightning protections systems, and
  • Related interfaces to and processing of flight electrical, avionics, RF and flight termination systems

• Witness, analyze, and provide technical assessments, including assessment of mission risk, if applicable, for launch base operational tests and/or data results and enter launch verification database comments, contribute to written reports, and prepare presentation materials in support of launch campaign readiness reviews
• Perform technical assessments of launch vehicle ground infrastructure systems upgrades, operations, and maintenance activities to support continuous/on-going assessment of readiness and certification of ground support equipment and facility items
• Assist with fleet surveillance of ground support equipment and facility items as well as launch vehicle operations (civil and commercial missions) and participate in day of launch exercises in support of customer training and crew proficiency requirements.
• Independently research and verify subsystem requirements to assure proper documentation and implementation.

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements for the Electrical Engineer

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Electrical or Computer Engineering or equivalent STEM field
• Eight or more years of relevant, applicable experience in designing or manufacturing of launch vehicles.
• Experience processing, testing and preparation of launch vehicles.
• Experience in the designing in /manufacturing of ground support equipment (GSE) and assessment of readiness of vehicle for successful launches.
• Experience testing and preparation of GSE for use with launch vehicles.
• Familiarity with the assessment of readiness of GSE to support processing and launch.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment with internal and external organizations.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary technical teams to deliver and implement innovative results.
• Ability to don emergency life-saving equipment and exit safely from a hazardous environment and/or elevated work platform at a launch pad or similar work area.
• Support off-shift work requirements and occasional domestic travel, as needed.
• Familiarity with writing  technical reports that document your contributions  in a clear and concise manner.
• This position requires 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.

In addition to the above, the Senior Electrical Engineer must have the following:

• Twelve or more years of relevant, applicable experience.
• Broad and deep experience in space launch processing or closely related field.
• Extensive experience working in a collaborative environment with internal and external organizations.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary technical teams.
• Support off-shift work requirements and occasional domestic travel, as needed.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• An advanced degree in Aerospace, Electrical or Computer Engineering or equivalent STEM field
• Track record in development, testing, and/or failure investigation of launch vehicles, associated ground support equipment and related facility systems for USAF/USSF missions.
• Experience with electrical ground launch facility and support equipment and associated launch vehicle interfaces (i.e., launch vehicle automated test control, guidance, navigation and flight control systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, lifting equipment, etc.)

• Experience with large scale collaborative software tools, i.e., Confluence, Jira, and Mattermost
• Ability to compose high quality technical recommendations, reports, and briefing material and to effectively present them to senior corporate and customer leaders.
• Experience working with government customers and with FFRDC, SETA and launch contractor organizations.
• Ability and willingness to mentor junior staff
• Possess a current TS/SCI security clearance.

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)

$117,300 - $208,000

Pay Basis: Annual

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 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.