Senior Launch Expert

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year

6% 401k match with immediate vesting

Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement

Optional zero deductible health insurance plan

Job summary

A leading engineering services firm is seeking a Sr Launch Expert & Sr Space Segment Engineer in El Segundo, CA. You will provide technical leadership for launch operations and ensure integration of space systems with launch vehicles. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in classified launch planning and space vehicle engineering, with a preference for candidates familiar with SAPF/SCIF environments. A MA/MS degree is preferred, and an active TOP SECRET clearance is required. Competitive salary range is $180,000-$235,000/year, with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Extensive expertise in classified weapon system launch planning.
• Knowledgeable in space system design, test, and launch vehicle integration processes.
• Experience in SAPF/SCIF environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical leadership in launch operations.
• Ensure successful integration of space systems with launch vehicles.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers in launch engineering practices.

Skills

Classified weapon system launch planning

Space system design

Space vehicle engineering

Strong communication skills

Education

MA/MS in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, physics, or related field

Job description

Overview

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Sr Launch Expert & Sr Space Segment Engineer with extensive expertise in classified weapon system launch planning, processing, and execution, as well as space vehicle engineering, design, integration, and test. This position supports a U.S. Space Force (USSF) program office responsible for developing, integrating, testing, and launching advanced space systems. Work will be performed in secure government environments supporting highly sensitive and mission‑critical programs.

Responsibilities

As a Sr Launch Expert & Sr Space Segment Engineer, you will provide senior‑level technical leadership in launch operations and space segment engineering. You will ensure successful integration of space systems with launch vehicles, coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams, and provide technical guidance to achieve mission success.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Serve as an expert in classified weapon system launch planning, processing, and execution.
• Provide engineering expertise in space vehicle design, integration, and testing to ensure launch readiness.
• Apply deep knowledge of launch vehicle development, design processes, schedules, and interfacing agencies.
• Coordinate technical activities to ensure successful launch vehicle integration and mission execution.
• Identify technical risks and provide evidence‑based mitigation strategies to senior leadership.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, reports, and decision‑support materials.
• Represent the program office in launch planning meetings, integration reviews, and cross‑organizational forums.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers in launch and space segment engineering practices.

Qualifications

• Expert in classified weapon system launch planning, processing, and execution.
• Highly knowledgeable in space system design, test, and launch vehicle integration processes.
• Expert in space vehicle engineering, design, integration, and test.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of briefing senior leadership on technical and operational matters.
• Experience in SAPF/SCIF environments preferred.

Desired Requirements

• Experience supporting ACAT I/II or highly classified programs.
• Familiarity with DoD launch vehicle standards, system integration processes, and mission assurance practices.
• Experience with launch simulation, test, integration tools, or advanced space systems platforms.

Education Requirements

• MA/MS degree preferred.
• Tradeoff: A Bachelor's degree is acceptable with 12+ years of relevant experience in similar programs or positions.
• The Materiel Leader may waive the MA/MS requirement based on experience and mission needs.
• Degree should be in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, physics, or a related technical field from an accredited institution.

Clearance Requirements

• Active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility required.
• Must be willing to work in SAP environments as needed.
• Must maintain TS/SCI eligibility and be willing to undergo a Counterintelligence polygraph.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Location/Travel Requirements

• Full‑time on‑site support within secure government facilities (SAPF/SCIF).
• Approximately 15‑20% CONUS travel, with potential for limited OCONUS travel depending on mission needs.

For additional company information, please visit: www.mtsi-va.com

The pay range for this position in California is $180,000/year to $235,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract wages, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via MTSI's internal or external careers site.

Interesting Work

Our co‑workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security.

Values

Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co‑workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry.

100% Employee Owned

We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town‑hall meetings three times a year.

Great Benefits - Most Full‑Time Staff Are Eligible for

• Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year
• Flexible schedules
• 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually
• Semi‑annual bonus eligibility (July and December)
• Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account
• Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement
• Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance
• Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan

Track Record of Success

We have grown every year since our founding in 1993.

About MTSI

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee‑owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high‑demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance

MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide.

For more information about MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTSI embraces nine core values including our first core value of Employees come first. Consistent with our Core Values, we are committed to Equal Opportunity, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. MTSI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.