Range Safety/System Safety Engineer

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 Western Range Directorate serves as the technical advisor to multiple customers and programs that operate at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) including the Space Force, Air Force, Missile Defense Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration by providing critical engineering assessments and guidance for their missions.

The Systems Engineering & Mission Integration team impacts multiple customers and programs that operate at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB). The Range Safety / System Safety Engineer will provide objective system safety engineering expertise to the Sentinel program in reviewing and providing technical assessments from design through flight testing at VSFB.  You will be joining a team that is fast-paced and be exposed to multiple customer and programs as part of the Systems Engineering & Mission Integration Team.

Work Model: On base work location, telecommuting one day per week is possible, depending on customer needs and schedules.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide system safety expertise, guidance, and recommendations to the Sentinel program on contractor AFSCMAN 91-710, RCC 319, and RCC 324 deliverables from weapon design through flight testing
• Witness, analyze, and assess the Sentinel weapons systems trailblazers, flight tests, and flight test worthiness activities, and flight test data results.
• Support and provide systems engineering guidance at Sentinel design reviews and technical interchange meetings at Hill Air Force Base and subcontractors' facilities
• Responsible for performing system engineering and launch verification activities at VSFB in support of National Security Space Launch (NSSL) programs for the Space Systems Command (SSC).
• Perform technical assessments of launch vehicle ground infrastructure systems upgrades, operations, and maintenance activities
• Participate and provide objective readiness assessments of launch vehicle ground systems in support of launch vehicle testing and day of launch activities

This position is available as a Level 2 Project Engineer or a Level 3 Senior Project Engineer.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or systems engineering or a related technical field.
• Eight or more years related experience
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, concepts and practices
• Ability to team and communicate with a broad range of customers, colleagues, contractors, and senior government leadership
• Ability to communicate effectively and develop relationships with customers, Aerospace, and contractor personnel.  Effectively communicate (written and oral) system safety concepts, concerns, issues, and solutions with government and contractor personnel at technical and management levels 
• Discern hazardous/emergency conditions in the workplace, individually put on emergency life-saving equipment and exit safely from a hazardous and or elevated work environment at the launch site or similar work areas
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 30 percent.  
• This position requires the ability to have and maintain a current and active TS/SSBI and be able to obtain a Special Access Program security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain these security clearances

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

• A minimum of 12 years or more of engineering related experience
• Solid understanding and experience developing technical performance assessments of missile weapon and/or launch vehicle system mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE) and/or electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) system designs, test activation procedures and operational readiness
• Launch vehicle processing experience at a launch site to include checkout, equipment development, design, integration, and test verification
• Demonstrated use of systems engineering principles, concepts, and practices
• Able to employ corporate resources effectively to address requirements
• Familiarity with national security space systems
• Effective systems engineering and analysis skills to identify problems, develop solutions, and assess risk
• Relevant experience composing technical reports, presenting analysis and delivering recommendations to senior-level management (technical and non-technical)

How You Can Stand Out

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

• An advanced degree in electrical, mechanical, aerospace or system engineering or related technical field from an accredited institution
• Expertise with tailoring and compliance with AFSPCMAN 91-710, Range Commanders Council Standards (RCC 319 and RCC 324) and related specifications/standards
• Familiarity with Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
• Design, build, and test of missile weapon systems
• Mechanical/electrical equipment development, design, integration, and test verification
• Understanding of VSFB’s ground infrastructure (GN2) and/or power grid
• Experience transforming system safety analysis, design, and test into relevant policy and/or guidance to influence future systems 

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 - $226,900

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.