Launch Vehicle Propulsion Project Engineer

MANTECH seeks a highly skilled and experienced Launch Vehicle Propulsion Project Engineer to support our Assured Access to Space (AATS) mission. This position is ideal for candidates passionate about launch vehicle manufacturing, mission assurance, and operational support. You will play a key role in sustaining the United Launch Alliance (ULA) fleet while also helping bring new entrant Launch Service Providers-such as ULA Vulcan, SpaceX, and Blue Origin-into the Space Force AATS portfolio.

This role is located in El Segundo, CA or Centennial, CO and directly supports the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Center (SSC) launch services for AATS missions.

Join MANTECH's elite team of propulsion engineers and help shape the future of space access.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide launch vehicle (LV) systems engineering expertise at El Segundo, CA or Centennial, CO; serve as a subject matter expert in areas such as LVs, Cryogenic Systems, Electrical/Mechanical/Pneumatic Systems, Propellant Supply Systems, SRMs, LREs, ordnance, and launch operations.
• Lead technical risk assessments, Engineering Review Boards, and readiness review preparations; produce integrated assessments across propulsion design, testing, manufacturing, and operational phases.
• Support acquisition lifecycle functions including requirements development, RFPs, source selection, data submittals, and award fee evaluations.
• Perform systems engineering functions such as design/test reviews, requirements definition, hardware pedigree and acceptance, verification, launch readiness, and post-flight analyses.
• Provide direct support for rehearsals, launch operations, anomaly resolution processes, and customer briefings including Chief Engineer Reviews and SSC status meetings.
• Collaborate with Aerospace Corporation, LVCs, launch sites, and production facilities; manage technical data reporting, prepare written evaluations, and support process improvements within the ULA product line.
• Serve as an authority in LV Ground Support Equipment (GSE) systems and Mission Assurance processes; support USSF engineering decision-making and lead data management efforts including DOL systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related STEM field.
• 12+ years of systems engineering or technical program management experience, including at least 3 years in AATS, DoD, NASA, or comparable launch/space systems roles.
• Demonstrated technical expertise with launch vehicle systems including solid rocket motors (SRMs), liquid rocket engines (LREs), ordnance, hydraulics, avionics, ground support equipment (GSE), structures, and composite materials.
• Experience across the launch vehicle lifecycle including design, integration, processing, testing, launch execution, and anomaly resolution.
• Proven ability to assess propulsion system designs, drawings, processes, and procedures, and to conduct design reviews, test reviews, failure analyses, and technical evaluations.
• Strong capability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and coordinate effectively with government and industry partners including USAF, USSF, NASA, NRO, LVCs, and Aerospace Corporation.
• Familiarity with USAF and NASA launch and range systems and experience supporting the Launch Enterprise at Los Angeles AFB (SMC).
• Proficiency or willingness to learn DOL data systems and provide training to support polling, status reporting, and anomaly tracking.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Atlas, Delta, and/or Vulcan vehicle system design, manufacturing, testing, and operations.
• Experience with USSF, NASA, NRO, and LV contractors or subcontractors.
• Ability to deliver high-quality technical briefings and reports to senior engineers and management.
• Experience with agile software tools such as Jira and Confluence.
• Proficiency in MS Office, IT systems, and SharePoint-style platforms.

Clearance Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and be willing and able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Clearance.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 50% of the time.
• 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, 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.

Travel Requirements:

• Frequent CONUS travel to LAAFB (El Segundo, CA), VSFB (Lompoc, CA), CCSFS (Florida), and other sites to support launch meetings and operations.