Engineer V

Vantage Systems, Inc. (Vantage), is a pioneering force in the realm of multi-disciplinary engineering services for spaceflight projects. Since our establishment in 1992, we have consistently delivered progressive solutions to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) space flight community earning recognition for our unwavering integrity and dedication to delivering top-tier solutions that align with the U.S. space program missions.

For over three decades, Vantage’s commitment to quality service and innovation has driven our rapid growth. Fueled by a deep understanding of the ever-evolving U.S. space program, we continuously pioneer progressive solutions to address NASA’s & DoD’s pressing challenges. Our unwavering commitment to exceptional service is built upon a foundation of ethics, honesty, and a people-centric approach. Join us as we forge ahead, combining our expertise with NASA’s legacy of excellence to shape the future of space exploration.

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for a potential upcoming contract positioned onsite at the Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) SSHINE contract.

Job description:

The Aerospace Engineer (Engineer V) provides, at a senior level, systems engineering, mission design, and technical analysis support for space technology programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This role focuses on the design, development, analysis, and integration of spacecraft systems ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites, supporting cradle-to-grave space mission lifecycles from concept development through flight operations.

The ideal candidate will support:

• Mission and space system development: Conduct spacecraft subsystem design, mission analysis, concept of operations development, and requirements definition for experimental space missions
• Spacecraft design and analysis: Perform mechanical, thermal, structural, and systems engineering for spacecraft buses, payloads, and high-altitude balloon experiments
• Hardware development and integration: Support spacecraft hardware design, fabrication, and integration activities including technology prototyping and flight experiment assembly
• Modeling and simulation: Develop and exercise spacecraft models, mission simulations, and analytical tools to evaluate technology options and mission performance

This position requires hands-on aerospace engineering experience, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) supporting innovative space technology experiments for the Department of Defense.

Key Responsibilities:

Mission and Space System Development:

• Support systems engineering tasks for AFRL Program Managers, Chief Engineers, and Systems Engineers on space technology programs
• Develop and refine mission requirements, concept of operations (CONOPS), mission constraints, and conceptual designs for spacecraft ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites
• Conduct mission design and evaluation including orbit analysis, launch vehicle integration studies, and mission timeline development
• Perform design tradeoffs and alternatives analysis to support technology selection and system architecture decisions
• Support refinement of programmatic objectives into actionable technical requirements and requirement flow-downs
• Develop interface control documentation, specifications, and design documentation for spacecraft systems

Spacecraft Subsystem Design and Analysis:

• Perform mechanical, thermal, electrical, and structural engineering to support spacecraft and high-altitude balloon experiment designs
• Conduct spacecraft subsystem modeling, integration planning, and system-level simulations
• Design and analyze spacecraft structures, mechanisms, thermal management systems, and power systems
• Evaluate spacecraft performance through analytical methods, modeling and simulation, and engineering analysis
• Support development of Government Reference Designs (GRD) with technical input and design documentation
• Identify requirement shortfalls, missing functionality, and recommend system improvements

Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis:

• Ensure all testing activities comply with industry standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities including requirements definition, design, analysis, and verification/validation throughout program lifecycle
• Develop modeling capabilities to simulate, emulate, and evaluate technology options identified by AFRL
• Test and operate modeling and simulation capabilities for spacecraft systems and mission scenarios
• Perform analyses comparing model and simulation results to experimental findings and test data
• Conduct satellite system simulation and mission effectiveness evaluation 

Hardware Development and Technology Implementation:

• Support spacecraft and high-altitude balloon flight hardware design and fabrication
• Provide hardware development, integration planning, and technology transition support
• Support design and fabrication of ground-based proofs-of-concept, experiments, and demonstrations
• Prepare documented data acquisition, processing, analysis, and modeling/simulation tools for experimental evaluations
• Document experimental processes and results to allow independent reproduction by third parties

Integration and Test Support:

• Support spacecraft bus, payload, and experiment assembly and integration within government facilities
• Review and provide input on test procedures, safety plans, and risk management plans
• Support launch integration activities including integration studies, interface control documents, and launch site support
• Assist with shipping, protecting, and transporting flight experiments and support equipment

Program Support and Collaboration:

• Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, program reviews, off-sites, and technical conferences
• Support procurement assistance with long lead hardware/software critical to space experiment program success
• Support technology transfer planning and decommissioning activities, including planning for technology transition to external mission partners
• Support miscellaneous tasks such as trade studies, demonstrations, and various analyses as directed by Government Program Managers

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance:

Support comprehensive cybersecurity and information assurance activities including compliance with DoD risk management frameworks and security requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education/ Years of Relevant Experience: 20+ years of experience with BS degree or 15+ years of experience with MS degree or 10+ years of experience with PhD degree
• Clearance: TS with eligibility for SCI Poly