Falcon Chief Engineer

MANTECH seeks an experienced and energetic Falcon Chief Engineer to lead our world-class team in El Segundo, CA.

The Falcon Chief Engineer will help the Space Force redefine the future of National Security Space (NSS) launch as the portfolio expands to include new entrant Launch Service Providers and advanced launch vehicles. This role supports the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC), Assured Access To Space (AATS) Directorate in executing the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Program.

You will lead a multi-disciplined team of project engineers, providing the critical management interface between contractors, vendors, and Space Force leadership to ensure the Falcon family of launch vehicles meets all requirements for NSS satellite mission services.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading a team of Falcon Project Engineers and managing the primary interface between multi-disciplined teams of Contractors, Vendors, FFRDC, and Space Force members
• Managing weekly and daily technical products delivered by MANTECH as the SE&I contractor, while assisting the customer with higher headquarters-level taskers and special projects
• Maintaining situational awareness of New Entrant certification activities to share lessons learned and ensure consistent evaluations across all launch providers
• Driving the evolution of Day of Launch tools, CONOPs, and associated training, including leading rehearsals, launch operations, and anomaly resolution efforts
• Providing systems and technical project engineering support for Recurring and Non-Recurring Design Validation of SpaceX Falcon launch vehicles for DoD NSSL missions
• Participating in Falcon Systems Engineering Processes, Working Groups, and Engineering Review Boards (ERBs) while reviewing team products for technical completeness
• Supporting launch services acquisition functions-including requirements development and source selection-while collaborating with Aerospace Corporation and manufacturing factories

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Systems, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering (other STEM fields may be considered)
• 12+ years of experience as a Systems Engineer or Technical Project Engineer, with at least 3 years specifically in NSSL, Launch/Range, DoD, or NASA launch systems
• Strong technical background and experience specifically related to Aerospace and Launch Vehicles
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Confluence to establish and publish reports, and interfacing with JIRA and Microsoft SharePoint-type databases
• Ability to perform occasional CONUS travel as required by the mission

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current PMP Certification
• Previous experience working at the Space Systems Command (SSC) or other relevant United States Government agencies
• Deep familiarity with the Falcon family of launch vehicles, including processing and flight operations
• Proven ability to work across multi-disciplinary teams during design, test, and evolution phases
• Sound judgment and effective decision-making skills with a proactive approach to problem-solving and adopting new tool technologies
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills with a proven track record of presenting to senior engineering management

Clearance Requirements:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance. (Not required to start)

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Frequently communicates with co-workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.