Propulsion Program Office Lead
- In an era of dynamic change in space, Aerospace is addressing a generation of complex challenges. We operate the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering. Join our team and thrive in a career that matters to the world and you personally.
The Launch Systems, Operations, and Development team within the Launch Systems Division is seeking a well-qualified individual with demonstrated leadership and exceptional communication abilities. As a Propulsion Systems Project Engineer you will manage and provide leadership for a team of Engineering & Technology Group (ETG) engineers to evaluate, certify, and provide mission assurance for propulsion systems used on the SpaceX Falcon 9, Heavy Launch System, and other National Security Space Launch payload vehicles for the United States Space Force. You will be responsible for ensuring ETG consistently provides technically sound and objective assessments along with recommendations to Aerospace and Space Force leadership within appropriate timelines and budget allocations for the purposes of launch vehicle certification and operational mission assurance. You will also be responsible for providing direction, mentoring, and developing the technical and functional capabilities of the team while also building effective working relationships with the Space Force team, contractor counterparts (e.g. SpaceX and their suppliers), and other interested parties (e.g. NRO and NASA).
Key Functions
- Lead activities related to analysis, design, development, evaluation, testing, certification, pedigree, mission assurance, fleet monitoring, and launch mission control of large launch vehicle motors, engines, and stage propulsion systems
- Manage Aerospace Engineering & Technology Group (ETG) technical studies that assure the integrity, reliability, performance, and compliance of large engines and propulsion systems
- Collaborate with other program office staff responsible for other aspects of launch systems (such as structures, GNC, systems, etc)
- Support management and systems engineering activities as needed
- Prepare reports, briefings, and documents as needed in support of program activities and Aerospace processes
- Build and maintain close working relationship with the Space Force and Aerospace program offices, Contractor certification personnel, and representatives from other government agencies
- Provide technical advice/recommendations and inform Customer/Aerospace management of technical activities, issues and accomplishments through reports and briefings to senior level management
Qualifications
Required- B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical field from a recognized institution
- 8 or more years of applicable experience (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD)
- Experience in propulsion to include three or more of the following: engine/systems design, propulsion analysis/evaluation, engine testing, propulsion systems engineering, stage propulsion, engine manufacturing, engine certification, mission assurance, or mission support
- Experience coordinating component level pedigrees
- Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary technical team efforts
- A current Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Required for Senior Project Engineer
- B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical field from a recognized institution
- 12 or more years of applicable experience (includes time acquiring applicable MS, MBA, and/or PhD)
- Experience in propulsion to include five or more of the following: engine/systems design, propulsion analysis/evaluation, engine testing, propulsion systems engineering, stage propulsion, engine manufacturing, engine certification, mission assurance, or mission support
- Experience leading component level pedigrees
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary technical team efforts
- A current Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance, which is issued by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Preferred
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with emphasis in combustion or propulsion from a recognized institution
- Experience in propulsion in most of the following: engine/systems design, propulsion analysis/evaluation, engine testing, propulsion systems engineering, stage propulsion, engine manufacturing, engine certification, mission assurance, or mission support
- Experience leading component level pedigrees
- Experience in developing and delivering presentations to peers and all levels of management
- Experience working as consultant or advising external groups
- Experience working with government customers
- Experience working with SpaceX, Northrop, Aerojet, Marotta, etc
- Knowledge of the Aerospace Corporation, its mission, and its organizational structure
- Experience leading multiple large multi-disciplinary technical team efforts in management or project management
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENTS
- Must be physically able to enter manufacturing facility, travel to test sites, and travel to launch site to support missions, and travel between campuses
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 [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.