Mission Assurance Engineer

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. 

We are looking for a Mission Assurance Engineer (Engineering Specialist/Senior Engineering Specialist – Mission Assurance Engineering). You will provide direct support to the National Systems Group customer. This group oversees the government’s supply chain management through direct engagement with industry. This group will ensure quality manufacturing processes and direct engagement on legislation and government strategies to influence national funding and priorities.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Partner with the customer to identify supply chain, industrial base, and space vehicle parts quality concerns for all the government’s programs and work with vendors and other agencies to mitigate those issues. 

• Mitigate industrial base issues impacting the availability of components and technology obsolescence that may require R&D infusion or industrial base financial stimulation to ensure that industry is prepared to produce and deliver the critical trusted and assured components when needed by the government program offices.

• Work with Aerospace labs and industry on analysis of parts anomalies and product discontinuations to find root cause of anomalies and qualify alternatives.

• Lead and monitor technical projects related to the manufacture or certification of technologies, whose current or future availability are at risk and are critical to current and future government programs.

• Operate strategically to enable the industry to be positioned for the government’s future manufacturing requirements.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist – Mission Assurance Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, sciences, mathematics, or related discipline.

• 8 years of progressively more responsible engineering/scientific experience

• Experience working with space programs or acquisition offices.

• Ability to understand supplier product offerings versus future program needs and gaps. Initiate new projects to increase production throughput on space capabilities.

• Ability to travel [occasionally] approx. 15%

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the Senior Engineering Specialist – Mission Assurance Engineering include:

• 12 years of progressively more responsible engineering/scientific experience

• Ability to understand the technical and economic drivers impacting the supply chain and ability to recommend future mitigation steps.

• Ability to quickly analyze technical industry material and provide clear, concise, and timely assessments in support of government decision making and strategic planning.

• Experience with how industry qualification requirements meet space vehicle specifications and standards.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in engineering, sciences, mathematics, or related discipline.

• Experience with interfacing with Space Force, NASA, MDA, and/or DLA

• Experience with process and product quality assessments and audits beginning with audit/assessment planning through verification of corrective and/or preventive actions.

• Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors to define supply chain issues or resolve technical issues.

• Experience with Quality Management standards including ISO 9001 and/or AS9100.

• Experience with the identification of parts quality anomalies and their impacts across the government programs and agencies. 

• Experience with acquisition, testing, or engineering analysis of space and/or ground systems.  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment in a self-motivated and self-directed manner.

• Excellent interpersonal, team building, and oral/written communication skills

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.