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Mission Assurance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Engineering, Mission Support, and Communications disciplines. Founded in 2008, our mission is to ... CARM performs the basic functions of Mission Assurance (MA), the defense critical infrastructure ...

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Mission Assurance Engineer information

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$67K

$129.7K

$224K

How much do mission assurance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission assurance engineer in the United States is $129,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mission Assurance Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mission Assurance Engineer, you need a solid background in systems engineering, risk management, and quality assurance, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry standards (such as AS9100 or ISO 9001), reliability modeling tools, and configuration management systems is important. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure that mission-critical systems meet rigorous reliability and safety standards, minimizing risks and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Mission Assurance Engineer vs Quality Assurance Engineer?

AspectMission Assurance EngineerQuality Assurance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degrees, security clearances, and specialized certificationsRequires engineering or technical degrees, certifications like ASQ CQE or CQA
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in aerospace, defense, or government sectors focusing on mission successIn manufacturing, software, or product development industries focusing on product quality
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by defense contractors, aerospace firms, and government agenciesCommon in manufacturing, software, and consumer product companies

While both roles focus on ensuring product or system reliability, Mission Assurance Engineers concentrate on mission success and system integrity in high-stakes environments, whereas Quality Assurance Engineers focus on defect prevention and product quality in broader industries.

What are Mission Assurance Engineers?

Mission Assurance Engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring that products, systems, or missions meet all required safety, reliability, and quality standards throughout their lifecycle. They develop and implement processes to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact mission success, often working in industries such as aerospace, defense, and space exploration. These engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to monitor compliance with regulations and customer requirements, conduct audits, and analyze data to drive continuous improvement. Their work is critical to delivering successful outcomes for complex and high-stakes projects.

How does a Mission Assurance Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project's lifecycle?

Mission Assurance Engineers work closely with design, manufacturing, quality, and systems engineering teams to identify and mitigate risks that could impact mission success. They participate in regular project meetings, review technical documentation, and conduct risk assessments alongside other stakeholders. Open communication and coordination are essential, as these engineers act as a bridge between different disciplines to ensure all mission-critical requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle.
More about Mission Assurance Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Mission Assurance Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs? The top employers for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Mission Assurance Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mission Assurance Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,678 per year, or $62.3 per hour.
Mission Assurance and Systems Engineer (Structures)

Mission Assurance and Systems Engineer (Structures)

The Aerospace Corporation

Colorado Springs, CO

$170K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

The Office of Space Launch Mission Assurance Team (OSL MAT) has been executing the NRO Mission Director's independent launch vehicle mission assurance program since 1995, built on the premise of early engagement, technical independence, and constant communication. We are looking for a Systems and Mission Assurance Engineer in the Mission Assurance Department to support our NRO customer and collaborate with our industry and Space Force partners. Your work will involve the discovery, evaluation and assessment of launch vehicle technical risks, informing the NRO's milestone decisions on the road to launch.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site in El Segundo, CA, Albuquerque, NM, or Cape Canaveral, FL.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Through the OSL MAT, serve as the launch vehicle overwatch of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to deliver National Technical Capabilities to orbit
  • Support the MAT organization to execute independent engineering and technical readiness assessments of NRO launch vehicle flight hardware build and operation from the factory to the launch site, and through day of launch
  • Actively engage and network with Aerospace engineering and program office groups, launch vehicle contractors and government agencies to support MAT risk assessments
  • Daily support to U.S. Government customers related to the investigation and disposition of launch vehicle issues, anomalies, and recovery plans through the coordination of Aerospace, support contractor, and Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) teammates across the MAT Technical Panels
  • Take point in the investigation, evaluation and assessment of launch vehicle technical risk, supporting the team of Aerospace and SETA technical experts across all Panels, while providing support to the MAT Structures Panel
  • Initiate technical support for the Structures Panel from ETG, Physical Sciences Labs or other corporate resources.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering and Mission Assurance Engineering include:

  • Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 10 years of experience in Launch Vehicle Systems with an emphasis on Launch Vehicle Structures
  • Experience supporting groups interacting with DOD customers, launch vehicle contractors and FFRDC teams
  • Experience in evaluating the design, test data, test plans and analyses of launch vehicle systems, cross coordinating between Structures, Avionics, Propulsion and Systems Engineering
  • Broad understanding and demonstrated experience in systems engineering and space systems related technical disciplines
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently with minimal direct supervision
  • Experience supporting NSSL vehicle fleets and programs
  • Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approx. 30%
  • This position requires a TS/SCI security clearance and the ability to obtain a polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Advanced degree in Engineering or STEM related field
  • Possess an active TS/SSBI/SCI and polygraph
  • Experience managing groups supporting DOD customers, launch vehicle contractors and FFRDC teams and the ability to brief technical issues and resolutions to the Chief Engineer and USG Leadership
  • Leadership experience of a Structures Team, supporting US Air Force/Space Force, NRO and NASA launch programs, mission assurance and launch vehicle flight worthiness certification with a focus on the identification and mitigation of risk
  • Experience managing STE/PTS budget, ETG tasking and workload and presentation of risk assessments to senior leadership

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.