Launch Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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MANTECH seeks a highly talented and mission-driven Launch Systems Safety Engineer to join our team at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), CA.

The Launch Systems Safety Engineer will help protect our national security by providing critical systems safety engineering for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. This role is deeply integrated into the safety and readiness lifecycle of launch vehicles and launch complex systems, ensuring that all facility operations, test plans, and integration activities meet rigorous safety standards.

You will play a vital role in ensuring mission success by performing risk assessments, monitoring launch site infrastructure, and verifying that all Launch Support Provider (LSP) activities comply with Department of Defense and Space Force requirements.

Reviewing and analyzing launch site and vehicle designs, test plans, and functional requirements to ensure operational safety and compliance with DoD, Space Force, and Air Force requirements (e.g., SSMP, PESHE, NSS 03-01)

Providing facility systems engineering oversight, including risk assessments, monitoring project status, and managing architecture baselines for communication, power, HVAC, and emergency management systems

Conducting comprehensive systems engineering analyses and design reviews to identify requirement shortfalls, provide capability assessments, and ensure facility readiness to meet mission needs

Verifying that technical Launch Support Provider (LSP) documentation and activities—including flight termination systems and critical safety components—comply with safety requirements (e.g., EWR 127-1, SSCMAN 91-710, MIL-STD-882E)

Performing system safety assessments of payload integration, ground testing, and flight safety activities, reporting any noted deficiencies to the USG within 24 hours to ensure mission readiness

Leading launch site project management and quality control inspections, including updating drawings, system configurations, and maintaining continuity products like facility layouts and schematics

Managing hazardous mission logistics by scheduling hazardous operations, completing Convoy Plans, and coordinating the removal of mission-related waste in accordance with environmental requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

3+ years of STEM experience in relevant fields

1+ year of experience in NSSL, Launch/Range, DoD, or NASA systems safety

Solid working knowledge of launch vehicle and launch complex systems and familiarity with launch program safety requirements

Experience in project management and facilities/infrastructure oversight

Experience in systems safety engineering and facility integration

Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing JIRA, Confluence, and Mattermost for project management and documentation

Strong communication and auditing skills, including the ability to resolve conflicts and exchange accurate information in high‑pressure situations

Ability to work proactively to identify and address customer concerns rapidly while producing high‑quality assessment summaries and position papers

Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50%.

Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.

Frequently communicates with co‑workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

The projected compensation range for this position is $116,400.00-$194,900.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, MANTECH invests in its employees beyond just compensation.

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• short‑term and long‑term Disability
• Retirement and Savings
• Learning and Development opportunities
• wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections

MANTECH considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to disability or veteran status or any other status protected under any federal, state, or local law or regulation.