_{30th June, 2025}

Role: Launch Support SME.
Location: Huntsville, AL.
 
Job Description:
Seeking a Senior Space Systems Engineer/SME  (subject matter expert (SME)) to provide advisory & assistance services (A&AS) to support a major defense program, focusing on Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition life cycle planning and Space Force systems. 
 
The ideal Launch Support SME for Golden Dome would possess deep experience in space system architecture, mission design, and end-to-end systems integration, particularly for defense or national security space programs. They should be proficient in requirements development, interface control, space-to-ground integration, and have demonstrated success leading multi-mission or proliferated architectures in contested environments.  
 
The Space Systems Command (SSC) Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power (SDACP) (SSC/SZ), Battle Management, Command, Control, and Communications (BMC3) (SSC/BC) provides highly classified Space Domain Awareness (SDA) systems, Defensive and Offensive Space Control (DSC/OSC) capabilities, and space test range assets to meet current and projected DoD operational requirements. SSC/SZ-BC develops, integrates, tests, deploys, sustains, and supports operations for systems that meet strategic and tactical operational needs.
 
This mission area requires personnel with experience and an in-depth understanding of the environments that include ground, near-space, space, and any system that operates in those environments.  
 
Key responsibilities include: 

• Launch Integration Planning: Lead end-to-end planning for payload-to-launch vehicle integration, including interface requirements, timelines, and risk mitigation. 
• Mission Assurance & Readiness: Ensure all launch operations meet mission assurance standards, supporting readiness reviews, rehearsals, and certification processes.
• Coordination with Launch Providers & SSC: Serve as the technical liaison between SSC, mission teams, and commercial/government launch providers to align launch execution with program objectives. 
• Range and Regulatory Compliance: Oversee coordination with range authorities (e.g., Western/Eastern Ranges) and ensure compliance with DoD, FAA, and other regulatory requirements. 
• Contingency and Responsive Launch Planning: Support rapid reconstitution and responsive launch strategies in line with Golden Dome's resilient architecture goals.

• MS/MA 
• A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable if the candidate possesses at least 12 years of experience in this type of position or program. The Materiel Leader may also waive the MA/MS requirement.

• Expert in classified weapon system launch planning, processing, and execution.
• Highly knowledgeable in the processes and products required to successfully design and test a space system to ensure successful launch vehicle integration.
• Highly knowledgeable in the launch vehicle development and design process, schedule, and key agencies.
• MUST have previous Space Force Launch experience.  

• Is considered a SME and a recognized leader in the industry.

• Active TS/SCI Clearance.