Flight Termination System ElectricalEngineer

APT (A-P-T Research, Inc.); Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

APT Research is hiring a Flight Termination System Engineer to join the Range Safety Operations Division at Wallops Flight Facility. The role focuses on reviewing designs, testing, and certifying FTS hardware and electronics to meet regulatory and mission requirements for launch operations.

Applicants typically hold a Bachelors or Masters in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering with ~5 years in aerospace/defense electronics, including FTS or safety-critical systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Five years of aerospace or defense electronics experience with FTS or safety-critical systems.
• Experience with FTS and safety-critical systems for rockets.
• 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).
• Security clearance may be required depending on program.

Skills

FTS engineering

RF systems

high-reliability design

safety-critical systems

environmental testing

problem solving

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Electrical/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
APT is an employee-owned engineering services company specializing in conducting safety and quality analyses for the U.S. Government. APT offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities that match your professional development interest, and excellent benefits including being voted as the best place for working parents. Our employees are owners, each share in the commitment to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative Analysis, Planning, & Test Solutions and services that exceed expectations, build employee pride of ownership, and optimize shareholder value.

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

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. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following email address, [e-mail] and/or phone number (256.327.3373) to contact us about your interest in employment with APT Research, Inc.

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.