Apprentice Avionics Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011, our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering, models, services, and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamicsinc.com.

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of SMAS III. We are seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineer specializing in Flight Termination Systems (FTS) to join the aerospace engineering team in the Range Safety Operations Division at Wallops Flight Facility. This position is located on site at NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA.

This role is critical to ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of launch vehicle operations. The incumbent will review designs, test, and certify FTS hardware and electronics that meet stringent regulatory and mission requirements. The SMAS III contract provides full life cycle hardware and software quality oversight, reliability and risk assessments, system safety design, operational support, and related services to NASA's science and exploration missions and ground support elements, including the Roman Space Telescope (RST) and the Dragonfly (Titan moon) probe. The program also provides flight safety analysis and operational support for NASA/Wallops orbital and suborbital rockets, balloons, and other aerial projects.

What You'll Get to Do:

FTS Design Review & Certification

• Review, test, and certify FTS hardware and electronics against regulatory and mission requirements

• Ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of launch vehicle operations

Systems Testing & Environmental Qualification

• Perform and evaluate environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC) on safety-critical hardware

Range Safety Compliance & Documentation

• Apply NASA, MIL-STD, and FAA range safety and FTS requirements across design and certification activities

Required Skills & Background

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense electronics, including FTS or safety-critical systems.

• Experience with FTS and/or safety-critical systems for rockets.

• Strong knowledge of Radio Frequency (RF) systems, command destruct receivers, and high-reliability circuit design.

• Familiarity with NASA, MIL-STD, and FAA range safety and FTS requirements.

• Hands-on experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC).

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams.

• Security clearance may be required depending on program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with launch vehicle avionics and telemetry systems.

• Knowledge of redundancy design and fault-tolerant architectures.

• Prior work with government ranges (e.g., NASA Wallops Island, Eastern Range, Western Range).

• Familiarity with DO-254 certification processes.

Who You Are:

• A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment

• A quick learner who is always ready to gain depth of knowledge

• A reliable worker who knows the importance of showing up when it counts

• Accept assignments with open, cooperative, positive, and team-oriented attitudes

• Able to plan and execute plans across teams

• Effective communicator, both written and verbal

What You'll Enjoy:

• Competitive wage and benefits package

• Medical, dental, vision, and life/disability insurance

• Vacation and paid holidays

• Tuition reimbursement

• 401k with company match

• Employee referral program

• Community involvement, investing and giving back to the community

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.