Launch Site Mission Certification Engineer/UT NDI 3 (Structures / Payload Accommodations)

Date: Nov 15, 2024

Location: Centennial, CO, US, 80112 Cape Canaveral, FL, US, 32925

Company: United Launch Alliance

Requisition ID: 590

Location: ULA - Denver, ULA - Cape Canaveral

Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available

Travel Requirements: 25%

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

Do you love working near hardware, solving time-critical problems across multiple systems, and being a critical part of certifying every mission is ready for flight? As a launch site Mission Certification Engineer (MCE) you will be on the front in getting vehicles processed and certified for launch. This position is on-site and based at the launch facility in Cape Canaveral, Florida following a ~6-month training period at ULA’s engineering center in Centennial, Colorado as applicable.

This position is for a mechanical / structures Mission Certification Engineer (MCE) with a specialization in payload integration and encapsulation hardware and strong preference for level 3 ultrasonic NDI certification. This position will be responsible for owning and assessing system/subsystem readiness in terms of hardware conformance to design configuration & functional parameters during Launch Processing. The MCE will report to the Launch Site Certification Lead (LCL) and work closely with the Responsible Systems Engineers (RSE) and Vehicle Systems Engineers (VSE). Duties may include (will vary based on your current domain of knowledge and experience):

• Support launch processing schedules while implementing principles of mission success
• Execute the necessary review of data, hardware, and procedures required to assess vehicle processing readiness for launch
• Coordinate with production certification team and supplier management to review / accept hardware status of vehicle assemblies delivered to launch site
• Ultrasonic non-destructive inspection of composite flight hardware
• Develop and maintain engineering walkdown checklists
• Utilize advanced system knowledge / expertise to assist and mentor members of the team in achieving vehicle certification for launch
• Coordinate Engineering significant anomalies with Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE), Authorized Systems Engineers (ASE), and Chief Engineers
• Coordinate residual risk items with the LCL and RSE
• Support definition of engineering close-out photo requirements
• Approve close-out photos taken by launch operations
• Approve launch site test results
• Coordinate and possibly execute design changes when needed
• Develop standard dispositions relative to launch operations
• Support driving timely dispositions for non-conforming hardware
• Travel as required (up to 25% annually)

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

Minimum of 4 years of related work experience

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university
• At least 4 years of applicable experience in the associated technical area
• Comprehensive knowledge of launch vehicle design and launch processing
• Advanced experience with issue resolution and working with cross-functional teams
• Comprehensive knowledge on a vehicle system/subsystem
• Ability to critically review inputs and identify missing or inconsistent information or data
• Ability to build long-term relationships with internal and external customers by understanding their current and future needs, meeting commitments to customers on time and keeping them informed, seeking and using customer feedback
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance is required. US citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Level 3 ultrasonic (UT) certification per NAS410
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics or related STEM field, from an accredit college or university
• Engineering MRB training or certification
• Lean / six sigma Green Belt certified
• Previous experience supporting launch operations vehicle processing and / or certification for launch
• Previously demonstrated ability to function as a responsible engineer or delegate on system of expertise

Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver, ULA - Cape Canaveral only): $98,339.00 - $153,653.00

Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, diversity and professional development for employees at all levels.

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

• 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
• Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).

ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other categories protected by law.

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted