Space Vehicle Engineer

Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Systems Delta 89 (SYD 89) System Delta X (SDX) at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico is searching for a Space Vehicle Engineer (NH-0801-02 target NH-0801-03, GS 05-11 target GS 12/13 equivalent).

Description:
For engineers seeking a hands-on operational role outside of traditional Space Systems Command program offices, this position as a Space Vehicle Engineer offers the unique opportunity to operate prototype and demonstration satellites on behalf of research and development organizations, working directly on projects that will define the next generation of United States space capabilities. We are seeking passionate, driven individuals who thrive on solving complex technical challenges and want to see their work launch into orbit. In this critical role, you will be at the center of a dynamic team regularly onboarding and launching new missions, providing direct government operations and engineering expertise to launch readiness campaigns, early on-orbit testing, satellite operations, and critical anomaly resolutions to ensure overall space vehicle mission success.

The ideal candidate for the Space Vehicle Engineer position must hold at least a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate degree, with a STEM-related master's degree highly preferred. To support immediate mission requirements, the candidate must possess the ability to achieve the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) Engineering Foundational level certification within one year of hire. Additionally, they should demonstrate practical experience in space vehicle or ground systems engineering, backed by a strong working knowledge of satellite architectures, cloud computing, and networking. A successful candidate will bring specific familiarity with the Satellite Control Network (SCN), Commercial Augmentation Services (CAS), and ground Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C) systems to ensure seamless operational integration and mission success.

Key Skills and Abilities:

Professional knowledge of general engineering policies, theories, principles and concepts, and familiarity with other engineering disciplines to carry out conventional engineering assignments.

Ability to analyze, interpret and apply general engineering rules and procedures in a variety of situations and recommend effective solutions to senior engineers.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Knowledge of computer operations and standard software applications.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Position is designated special-sensitive and requires a TS security clearance with eligibility for access to SCI, other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in TS SAP to fully perform the duties of the position.
• A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• Position requires a professional engineering degree at the bachelor's level from an ABET accredited institution is required. Advanced degrees are preferred.
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed "Unscheduled Telework".
• May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.
• PCS is not authorized. Incentive is not authorized.
• This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

Qualifications

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

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click for more information.

is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click .