Principal Engineer

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.

Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.

Position Summary:

Airbus U.S. is looking for an enthusiastic and creative engineer to develop solutions for new satellite systems and their integration to space launch vehicles. We're looking for candidates who can bring exceptional engineering skills and strong experience in aerospace programs to the team.

Position Responsibilities:

The Principal LSI Engineer is part of the Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations (ATLO) team that is responsible for leading efforts required to ensure that all the interfaces between our satellites and the launch vehicles they fly on are compatible. Although a large part of their focus is on launch requirements and interfaces, there is a heavy logistical and coordination component inherent in the filling this role. This engineer will be involved in the full lifecycle of development, from requirements definition through operations. Being at the cutting edge of space technology, we need someone who is eager to learn, grow, and take on new and potentially unfamiliar challenges. There is no shortage of fascinating problems to solve.

The Principal Launch Systems Integration Engineer reports to the ATLO Launch Manager and will be responsible for leading complex assignments related to Launch Mission Engineering (range safety engineering, launch interfaces, launch requirements verification, launch campaign execution, etc.).

Launch Integration and Analysis 75%

• Lead launch mission engineering activities for Airbus spacecraft platforms, including ARROW
• Lead analysis, design, and/or develop launch interfaces and requirements, to include:
  • Mechanical interfaces to the launch vehicle
  • Electrical interfaces and umbilical connections
  • Space Vehicle separation systems
  • Launch site processing, including transportation and SV tests
  • Range safety assessments and hazard analysis.
• Ensure SV design requirements are consistent with launch vehicle flow-down
• Develop and manage launch vehicle interface documentation
• Lead the launch requirements verification planning and execution, including collection and exchange of verification artifacts.
• Lead cross-functional planning, coordination, and task execution situations involving the full spectrum of engineering and integration activities.
• Lead the systems safety analysis of satellite bus and dispenser hardware and prepare range safety documentation.
• Lead requirements definition, design, and development efforts for launch site electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) to meet program-specific or product line needs.
• Chair technical exchange meetings with customers, launch services providers and/or dispenser vendors.
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams to develop solutions to launch vehicle interface challenges.
• Lead launch campaign logistics and launch processing execution planning efforts.

Roadmap Development 15%

• Support Airbus spacecraft development product roadmap: includes design adjustments, schedule, and cost targets aligned for future business captures.
• Lead the definition of the launch operations customization process for customer mission needs.

Additional Responsibilities 10%

• Perform all the necessary launch system engineering activities to build, to maintain and to evolve the Airbus spacecraft products.
• Promote and optimize cost savings by reuse of the heritage platform designs and manufacturing infrastructures in the pursuit of various constellation prospects.
• Project management of launch systems integration and/or other ATLO deliverables.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training:

Education:

• Required: Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.
• Preferred: Master's in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years with a Bachelor's degree, or 12 years with a Master's degree, or 10 years with a PhD.
• Preferred: Proven track-record of working with aerospace hardware and/or software systems, starting from conceptual designs and tradeoffs thru detailed design, development, manufacture, integration, test, deployment, and operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Familiarity with launch vehicle systems such as Falcon9, Atlas, Electron, Soyuz, Ariane 5, etc.
• Familiarity with elements of space mission architectures extending beyond launch - including satellite platform, flight operations, mission CONOPS, user interfaces, etc.
• Familiarity with industry range safety standards (AFSPCMAN 91-710 and/or NASA 8719.24).
• Familiarity with rideshare and multi-payload launch systems (ESPA class, Cubesat launches, etc.)
• Communicate in a clear and concise manner effectively across multiple levels and delivery mediums.
• Be team-minded and ready to work in a multi-functional and multi-cultural, fast-moving and complex/technical environment.
• Flexible attitude and strong, self-driven initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results.

Travel Required:

• Periodic travel (less than 20%) to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies.
• Occasional International travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts or foreign vendors.
• Periodic travel (less than 20%) for support of domestic launch campaigns.

Eligibility:

US Citizenship

Clearance:

Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

Physical Requirements:

• Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents.
• Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds including safety warnings or alarms.
• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment.
• Carrying: able to carry documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.
• Lifting: able to lift documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.
• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer.
• Squatting / Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items shelved on bottom shelves.
• Standing: able to stand for long periods of time.
• Walking: able to walk through office and outside areas including uneven surfaces.

The salary range for this role is $135,300 to $162,400 USD. We recognize high-wage market differences where our offices are located, in Seattle, Washington D.C., and Boston (Cambridge). As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our mission and new hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary range between the minimum and the midpoint salary range. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidate's job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity:

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status.

As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

By submitting your resume or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to HR@airbusus.com.