Mission Analysis IV&V 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.

Job Summary

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The NSG Launch Directorate provides direct technical support to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Office of Space Launch (OSL) in the areas of Launch Systems and Launch Site Engineering, Mission Integration, and Mission Assurance.  In your role as a Mission Analysis Independent Verification and Validation (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer – Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering), you will support the launch vehicle mission analysis Independent Validation and Verification (IV&V) process for NRO OSL missions. In this opportunity, you will coordinate mission analysis IV&V efforts performed by the Aerospace Launch Directorate, the Aerospace Launch Operations and Launch Systems Divisions and the OSL Mission Assurance Support Contractor. Mission Analyses will include Loads & Dynamics, Mission Design & Performance, Flight Operations, Guidance, Navigation, & Control, Day of Launch Winds, Flight Software, Structural Analysis, Separation Dynamics, Thermal Environments, Aerodynamics, Contamination, and Dynamic Environments. As part of your role, you will work with the OSL IV&V Chief and OSL Mission Teams to ensure that the appropriate analyses are conducted as part of the NRO mission integration and mission certification processes.

Work Model

This is a full-time position which requires 100% on site work in El Segundo, CA, or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support to near-term (launching within three years) OSL mission teams regarding mission specific IV&V planning and execution.

• Support to far-term (launching within three-ten years) OSL mission teams regarding early compatibility analysis on Vulcan, Falcon, and New Glenn launch vehicles.

• Coordination of OSL IV&V efforts implemented by Aerospace engineering technical staff and the OSL Mission Assurance Support Contractor.

• Evaluate technical issues and communicate recommendations for corrective actions.

• Prepare periodic technical and programmatic status reports for submission to the government and Aerospace management and support NSG mission readiness reviews and OSL reviews.

• Interact with various Aerospace and Government launch organizations and support organizations including NRO and Space Force Program Offices, their contractors, and Aerospace matrix engineering resources.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer – Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or related field

• Six (6)) or more years experience in one or more of the following disciplines:

  o   Launch vehicle/space vehicle mission analyses

  o   Systems engineering

  o   Project management

  o   Leading technical teams

• Ability to provide comprehensive technical analyses and recommendations

• Willing to travel domestically approximately 25% and to work off-business hours to support launches.

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

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer – Systems and Mission Assurance Engineering include:

• Ten (10) or more years experience in one or more of the following disciplines:

  o   Launch vehicle/space vehicle mission analyses

  o   Systems engineering

  o   Project management

  o   Leading technical teams

• Ability to build consensus and establish cohesive working teams among diverse engineering fields and across multiple organizations within as well as outside of Aerospace

How You Can Stand Out

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

• An advanced degree in a STEM field

• Experience with project/engineering management and risk analysis is highly desired.

• Established working relationships supporting NRO OSL and its NRO customers and contractors.

• Experience with the launch vehicle/space vehicle mission integration process.

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

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.