Space Flight Systems Assurance Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Systems Assurance Engineer to shape and implement the mission assurance program for space flight projects. You will manage hardware quality, inspections, and supplier oversight across the full lifecycle, building trust with project teams to meet quality requirements.

You will develop mission assurance plans, review technical docs for compliance, and perform flight hardware inspections while supporting spacecraft integration,

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor degree or have equivalent training, certification, and experience in an engineering or related technical discipline.
• Have 2+ years of experience in safety or mission assurance as applied to space or aerospace systems.
• Possess current or recent NASA and IPC workmanship inspection certifications (J-STD-001 with space addendum, NASA-STD-8739,1, NASA-STD-8739.4, and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620).
• Have basic understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering drawings and documentation and are proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Are able to work in a collaborative environment and solve problems quickly within demanding schedules.
• Are able to identify cause of problems and implement timely technical solutions.
• Are able to multi-task.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills, be positive, flexible, and have demonstrable sound technical and professional judgment.
• Are willing and able to travel (minimum 10% but could be more), work in clean rooms, and occasionally work long hours and weekends.
• Hold an active Secret level clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support one or more space flight projects ensuring quality and system assurance requirements are defined, implemented, and in compliance with sponsor and APL requirements.
• Develop trusted relationships with project management, engineering, fabrication, and integration and test teams to assist them in complying with quality requirements.
• Implement project-specific mission assurance plans for space flight systems.
• Review project-specific plans and technical documentation to ensure compliance with contractual and institutional mission assurance requirements.
• Perform inspections of flight hardware to ensure conformance with applicable technical and workmanship requirements.
• Implement a closed-loop nonconformance process affecting space flight systems.
• Support day-to-day activities of Sponsored space flight programs, including spacecraft integration, test, and launch.
• Improve and maintain project requirements processes and documentation, and quality management system processes and documentation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Mission assurance

Communication

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Clearance eligibility

GD&T knowledge

Education

Bachelor degree

Master's degree

Tools

J-STD-001 (space addendum)

NASA-STD-8739.1

NASA-STD-8739.4

IPC/WHMA-A-620

NADCAP audits

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Systems Assurance Engineer to shape and implement the mission assurance program for space flight projects. You will manage hardware quality, inspections, and supplier oversight across the full lifecycle, building trust with project teams to meet quality requirements.

You will develop mission assurance plans, review technical docs for compliance, and perform flight hardware inspections while supporting spacecraft integration,