Launch Operations Engineer, 5 SLS

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.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret or Secret security clearance.
• Safeguards classified or sensitive budget-related information and/or files.
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
• This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.
• Employee may be required to perform travel by military or commercial passenger aircraft in the performance of temporary duty assignments.
• PCS / relocation funding is not authorized.
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.
• This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Testing Program.
• The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• 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.
• Must be able to climb and descend stairs (as many as 12 flights), climb ladders, enter restrictive launch vehicle compartments and work platforms.
• Work may require prolonged standing, exposure to the outside elements, and in the immediate vicinity of hazardous areas.
• This position is part of the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).

Qualifications

The 0801 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. In addition to the above requirements you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here:

Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

Resume:You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume must provide:

1. Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number
2. Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended
3. Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information:
   • Job title
   • Detailed duties and accomplishments
   • Employer's name and address
   • Supervisor's name and phone number
   • Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.)
   • Hours per week
   • Salary, if applicable
4. Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses

College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

Next steps