Launch Operations Engineer, 5 SLS

Air Force STEM$90K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Must obtain and maintain Top-Secret or Secret security clearance.
  • Professional engineering degree from ABET-accredited institution.
  • Experience in mission assurance and technical risk management for complex systems.
  • Hands-on experience with launch operations and failure analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the technical authority for vehicle certification.
  • Lead multi-disciplinary engineering efforts.
  • Perform on-console operations and oversee spaceflight hardware.
  • Evaluate and assure current and emerging spacecraft activities.
  • Conduct risk assessments for leadership decisions.

Benefits

  • Work in a mission-focused environment with direct impact on national security.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development within the military framework.
  • Eligible for situational telework during emergencies or unscheduled events.
  • Possibility for developmental positions for outstanding students or recent graduates.
  • Exposure to diverse work conditions, enhancing practical engineering experience.
Full Job Description
The United States Space Force (USSF) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL is searching for a Launch Operations Engineer, 5 SLS (NH-0801-03, GS-12/13 equivalent). *2 Positions Available - 1 at Top-Secret and 1 at Secret level* Description: Are you an engineer driven by the challenge of assuring access to space for the nation? Do you excel at the intersection of systems engineering, mission assurance, and hands-on technical oversight? The 5th Space Launch Squadron is looking for a General Engineer to serve as a technical authority and operations advisor for the world's most advanced commercial and government launch systems. In this critical role, you will be the engineering backbone for our mission, providing the expertise needed to integrate, evaluate, and assure current and emerging spacecraft and launch vehicle activities. This isn't just a desk job; it's a mission-focused opportunity to put your engineering skills to the ultimate test. You will be a key player from the factory to the launch pad, serving as the technical authority for vehicle certification, performing on-console operations, leading multi-disciplinary engineering efforts, and providing the critical risk assessments that inform leadership decisions. Your work will directly contribute to delivering assured space launch, range, and combat capabilities for the nation. If you have a broad engineering background, a passion for space, and the drive to solve complex problems, we want you on our team. Join us and help shape the future of space launch. Ideal Candidate: • Role & Leadership: A self-starter and leader with a strong desire to serve as an engineering and technical operations advisor, providing technical leadership and expertise in systems engineering, contractor control, and oversight of spacecraft and launch vehicle processing. • Technical Background: An advanced technical background that supports in-depth developmental test and evaluations. This includes a broad engineering foundation in systems engineering, electrical and mechanical structures, fluid mechanics, control theory, inertial navigation, and special testing methods associated with spacecraft and space launch vehicles. Experience: o Proven ability in mission assurance, technical risk management, and contractor oversight for complex systems. o Hands-on experience with launch operations, which may include on-console support, overseeing spaceflight hardware, reviewing test data, and performing failure analysis. o Familiarity with DoD/commercial launch policies, program management, and acquisition processes. • Skills: Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to encourage new ideas, build coalitions to achieve common goals, and communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse teams. • Work Environment Adaptability: Must be able to work in varied conditions, including office settings and industrial areas. This may require climbing stairs and ladders, entering restrictive launch vehicle compartments, working at heights on platforms, and occasional exposure to outdoor elements and hazardous areas. Developmental Opportunity: Outstanding students or recent graduates with a strong academic record and relevant internship or co-op experience may be considered for a developmental position. Requirements: 1. Must be a U.S Citizen. 2. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret or Secret security clearance. 3. Safeguards classified or sensitive budget-related information and/or files. 4. May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis. 5. Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework". 6. This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first. 7. Employee may be required to perform travel by military or commercial passenger aircraft in the performance of temporary duty assignments. 8. PCS / relocation funding is not authorized. 9. Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year. 10. This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Testing Program. 11. The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position. 12. A professional engineering degree at the bachelor's level from an ABET accredited institution in (specific discipline of position) or a closely related field is required. 13. Must be able to climb and descend stairs (as many as 12 flights), climb ladders, enter restrictive launch vehicle compartments and work platforms. 14. Work may require prolonged standing, exposure to the outside elements, and in the immediate vicinity of hazardous areas. 15. This position is part of the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).

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