Senior Systems Engineering Leader 6

United Launch Alliance; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 164,000 - 305,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match + employer contribution

Discretionary annual incentive bonus

Generous paid time off

Flexible work environments

9/80 schedule

Job summary

United Launch Alliance is seeking a Senior Systems Engineering Leader to own the systems engineering scope for launch programs, drive MBSE adoption, and lead cross-functional teams across architecture, requirements, and risk management.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Chief Engineering and Operations to deliver balanced solutions with schedule, cost, and manufacturability in mind, while guiding V-model development and verification activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience, preferably in the aerospace or defense industry.
• 4+ years of management or leadership experience in leading teams of exempt employees or other leaders.
• Experience influencing system architecture, requirements, and trades.
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering processes, configuration management, and risk management.
• Experience leading cross-disciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical owner of the systems engineering scope across assigned programs.
• Drive cross-functional technical integration across engineering disciplines.
• Influence system architecture, requirements development, technical trades, and baseline control.
• Own and continuously improve the systems engineering process.
• Ensure balanced solutions across performance, schedule, cost, manufacturability, and risk.
• Establish a collaborative partnership between Systems Engineering and Chief Engineering.
• Lead development and implementation of MBSE processes and tools.
• Ensure early identification of risks and development of mitigation plans.
• Implement rigorous configuration management practices.
• Lead causal analysis activities to identify root causes and drive corrective actions.
• Oversee requirements management including development, validation, verification, and traceability.
• Manage and lead design review processes ensuring alignment with system objectives.
• Apply the systems engineering V model to guide development, integration, and verification.

Skills

Systems engineering

Leadership

System architecture influence

Requirements management

Configuration management

MBSE

Risk management

Cross-disciplinary leadership

Education

Bachelor

Tools

Teamcenter

Cameo

Job description

Requisition ID: 2158

Standard Weekly Hours:40.00

Location:ULA - Denver

Relocation:Yes- Relocation may be available

Travel Requirements:10%

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

The Senior Systems Engineering Leader is responsible for the recurring technical and program ownership of the systems engineering scope for ULA's launch systems. This leader drives systems-level technical integration, ensures rigorous systems engineering process execution, and shapes the program's technical baseline through strong influence across architecture, requirements, trades, and risk posture. The role requires building a highly collaborative relationship between development and recurring operations as well as strong partnership between Chief engineering and Systems Engineering. The Leader will develop a clear vision for transition to MBSE practices, and ensuring systems engineering drives balanced, technically sound solutions considering technical scope, schedule, cost, and risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical owner of the systems engineering scope across assigned programs.
• Drive cross-functional technical integration across engineering disciplines.
• Influence system architecture, requirements development, technical trades, and baseline control.
• Own and continuously improve the systems engineering process.
• Ensure balanced solutions across performance, schedule, cost, manufacturability, and risk.
• Establish a collaborative partnership between Systems Engineering and Chief Engineering.
• Lead development and implementation of MBSE processes and tools.
• Ensure early identification of risks and development of mitigation plans.
• Implement rigorous configuration management practices.
• Lead causal analysis activities to identify root causes and drive corrective actions.
• Oversee requirements management including development, validation, verification, and traceability.
• Manage and lead design review processes ensuring alignment with system objectives.
• Apply the systems engineering V model to guide development, integration, and verification.

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

Minimum of 10 years of related work experience

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience, preferably in the aerospace or defense industry.
• 4+ years of management or leadership experience in leading teams of exempt employees or other leaders.
• Experience influencing system architecture, requirements, and trades.
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering processes, configuration management, and risk management.
• Experience leading cross-disciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience transitioning teams toward MBSE.
• Experience as a systems engineering functional lead or chief engineer.
• Knowledge of Teamcenter, Cameo, and other MBSE and requirements management tools.
• Experience supporting defense or space systems.
• Experience driving process improvements and organizational change.

Summary Salary Range (forULA - Denver only): $164,324.00 - $305,173.00

Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

• 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
• Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a \"9/80 schedule,\" meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR).

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information.

ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program.

Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act

requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted