Flight Termination System ElectricalEngineer

APT Research, Inc.; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

APT Research seeks a Flight Termination System Engineer to join the Range Safety Operations Division at Wallops Flight Facility. You will review designs, test, and certify FTS hardware and electronics meeting stringent regulatory and mission requirements.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering with at least five years in aerospace or defense electronics, focusing on FTS or safety-critical systems, RF and high-reliability design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering required.
• Five years of experience in aerospace or defense electronics with FTS or safety-critical systems.
• Strong knowledge of RF systems, command destruct receivers, and high-reliability circuit design.
• Familiarity with NASA, MIL-STD, and FAA range safety and FTS requirements.
• Hands-on environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC).

Responsibilities

• Review designs, test, and certify FTS hardware and electronics to meet regulatory and mission requirements.
• Support safety, reliability, and risk assessments for rocket operations.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and provide technical leadership in safety-critical systems.

Skills

RF systems

Safety-critical systems

Problem solving

Cross-disciplinary teams

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Position Description Summary

APT Research is hiring a Flight Termination System Engineer. SMAS III is seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineer specializing in Flight Termination Systems (FTS) to join our aerospace engineering team in the Range Safety Operations Division at Wallops Flight Facility. This role is critical to ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of launch vehicle operations. The incumbent will review designs, test, and certify FTS hardware and electronics that meet stringent regulatory and mission requirements. ARES is the prime contractor for the Safety and Mission Services (SMAS III) contract at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), with locations in Greenbelt MD and Wallops Island VA. ARES provides full life cycle hardware and software quality oversight, reliability and risk assessments, system safety design and operational support and related services to NASA's science and exploration missions and ground support elements, including the Roman Space Telescope (RST), and Dragonfly (Titan moon) probe. ARES also provides flight safety analysis and operational support for NASA/Wallops orbital and suborbital rockets, balloons, and other aerial projects

Required Experience/Education:

• Education: Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Experience: Five years of experience in aerospace or defense electronics, with FTS or safety-critical systems
• Experience with FTS and or safety-critical systems for rockets.
• Strong knowledge of Radio Frequency (RF) systems, command destruct receivers, and high-reliability circuit design.
• Familiarity with NASA, MIL-STD, and FAA range safety and FTS requirements.
• Hands-on experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, Electromagnetic Interference/ Electromagnetic Compatibility).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams Security clearance may be required depending on program

Security Clearance Requirement:

• Must be able to qualify for an unescorted badge (US Citizen required) and be able to pass a background investigation & drug test.

Essential Job Functions:

Work Environment

• Full time, 40+ hours a week when required, including periodic extended shifts, weekends, holidays, and shift changes (1st, 2nd or 3rd as required).
• Work in excess of 40 hours a week (comp time, or OT when approved by CO) will be frequently required.
• Working in non-environmentally controlled areas.
• Working at heights (with fall protection) sometimes required.
• Working in confined spaces sometimes required.

Travel Requirements

• May Require ability to travel domestically <10%

Physical Requirements

• Extended periods of standing, stooping, and bending are expected.
• Ability to climb stairs
• Ability to lift >15 lbs.

Other Essential Functions

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgement
• Work attire must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk / hazard to the employee or others

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled

APT Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. APT Research, Inc. participates in E-Verify.