Systems Engineer 3 - Missions Operations

Date: Jun 18, 2025

Location: Cape Canaveral, FL, US, 32925

Company: United Launch Alliance

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

The Systems Engineer 3 - Mission Operations is a critical member of the ULA Launch Team, responsible for integrating spacecraft, range, and launch vehicle operations to support the processing, countdown, and launch of missions. This role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, coordination with government and commercial customers, and real-time support of launch operations at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg launch sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate spacecraft and launch vehicle operational requirements throughout mission integration and execution phases.
• Develop mission-specific support plans, schedules, requirements documents, and technical presentations.
• Lead or participate in technical working groups and readiness reviews—often involving off-site travel.
• Support launch countdown operations in real-time from the Launch Control Center, serving as either:
  • Space Coordinator (SC): interface with spacecraft customers and ULA engineering
  • Range Coordinator (RC): interface with range assets and communications systems
• Report directly to the Launch Conductor (LC) and Launch Director (LD) during launch operations.
• Ensure safe and successful integration of mission elements by coordinating with engineering, safety, range, and customer teams.

This role includes both Spacecraft Integration and Range Integration responsibilities as outlined below.

Spacecraft Integration Responsibilities:

• Act as primary liaison with spacecraft customers; coordinate mission-unique operations with ULA engineering.
• Manage spacecraft operations schedules and integrate key milestones into the launch vehicle timeline.
• Support match-mate and encapsulation activities at customer/vendor sites.
• Review and interpret Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and provide input on processing procedures.
• Ensure facility support readiness for spacecraft and launch vehicle operations.
• Contribute to Mission Unique (MU) proposals, including Basis of Estimate (BOE) inputs.

Range Integration Responsibilities:

• Define and coordinate mission-specific data and telemetry requirements with Trajectory and Avionics teams.
• Schedule and de-conflict Range assets for test and launch operations.
• Prepare and review mission documentation (PRDs, ORs, MSORs).
• Ensure readiness of Range systems (radar, optics, telemetry, weather, communications).
• Oversee telemetry relay and data delivery from SCN and NASA TDRS to ULA Denver.

This role will require ability to travel and work outside of normal business hours (2nd Shift) as needed.

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

Minimum of 4 years of related work experience

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience integrating cross-functional teams in the performance of requirements analysis, development, and verification in operational environment.
• Experience developing, implementing, and/or tailoring systems engineering processes, procedures, and documents.
• Experience investigating and resolving process and hardware anomalies, with the ability to quickly analyze and respond to real-time issues and adjust operational sequences as needed.
• Ability to remain calm in emergency situations and work effectively with others.
• Ability to present in front of large audiences and interact professionally with senior management, government officials, customers and media.
• Ability to review and analyze data.
• Self-motivated and demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Available to travel and work outside of normal business hours (including 2nd shift) as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI is required. US citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Active DoD TS/SCI to start is preferred. US citizenship is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills under time-critical circumstances.

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, engagement 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.

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.

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.

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