Systems Assurance Engineer / Manager

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Systems Assurance Engineer/Manager to help develop and implement a space flight system's mission assurance program. You will lead mission assurance efforts, coordinate inspections, manage documentation, and ensure compliance with NASA/IPC standards.

You will travel 10% or more, collaborate with Sponsors, engineering, fabrication, and test teams, and support spacecraft integration, test, and launch activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or equivalent training, certification, and experience in engineering or related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in safety or mission assurance for space or aerospace systems.
• Current 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).
• Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical drawings and documentation; proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present project status to stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel (minimum 10%), work in clean rooms, and occasionally work long hours and weekends.
• Active Secret clearance with eligibility to obtain Top Secret; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Support one or more space flight projects ensuring quality and system assurance requirements are defined and compliant.
• Direct and/or perform software quality, configuration management, inspections, audits, and other mission assurance activities.
• Lead the mission assurance effort for a space flight system and provide direction to SME(s).
• Develop project-specific mission assurance plans and ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
• Review project plans and documentation for mission assurance compliance.
• Perform inspections of flight hardware to verify conformance to requirements.
• Implement a closed-loop nonconformance process and disposition of nonconformances.
• Assist Sponsored space flight programs with spacecraft integration, test, and launch activities.

Skills

Mission assurance

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Security clearance eligible

Education

Bachelor degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Master's degree

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Job description

Description

Do you have an eye for detail?

Are you committed to the pursuit of excellence? Are you passionate about applying mission assurance practices and performing quality engineering functions in support of space flight systems?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join us!

We are seeking a Systems Assurance Engineer who can also serve as a Systems Assurance Manager to help us develop, manage, and implement a space flight system's project mission assurance program. The mission assurance program includes the product assurance, process control, quality assurance, software assurance, configuration management, parts and materials control, contamination control, system safety, reliability, AS9100 compliance, requirements and design review, and flight assurance aspects of the project.

As a Systems Assurance Engineer / Manager...

• Your primary responsibility will be to support one or more space flight projects ensuring quality and system assurance requirements are defined, implemented, and are in compliance with sponsor and APL requirements. You will direct and/or perform software quality, configuration management, inspection, audits, support supplier management program, and other mission assurance activities on assigned projects.
• You will lead the mission assurance effort for a space flight system. You will provide direction to subject matter experts supporting the mission assurance team.
• You will develop trusted relationships with project Sponsors, project management, engineering, fabrication, and integration and test teams to assist them in complying with quality requirements.
• You will document and implement project-specific mission assurance plans for space flight systems.
• You will review project-specific plans and technical documentation to ensure compliance with contractual and institutional mission assurance requirements.
• You will perform inspections of flight hardware to ensure conformance with applicable technical and workmanship requirements.
• You will implement a closed looped nonconformance process affecting space flight systems, including providing SMA subject matter expertise in the disposition and resolution of non conformances.
• You will perform tasks related to the day-to-day support of Sponsored space flight programs, including spacecraft integration, test, and launch. You will coordinate inspections, quality engineering support, configuration management requirements, and related assessments and audits.
• You will develop, improve, and maintain project requirements processes and documentation, and quality management system processes and documentation.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Hold a Bachelor degree or have equivalent training, certification, and experience in an engineering or related technical discipline.
• Have 7+ 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, statement of work, purchase orders/instructions and contract execution documentation, and are proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to create and present project status for internal as well as external stakeholders and sponsors.
• 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 proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• 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 clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Master's degree
• Hold an active Top Secret clearance.
• Understand Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T) and can determine the conformance of mechanical items to drawings
• Have experience with or auditing NADCAP special processes.
• Are familiar with NASA, IPC, or DOW requirements for space flight hardware.
• Have experience implementing a Systems Assurance program at different levels of NASA risk classification from Class A through D, as well as NPR 7120.8 Technology Demonstrations or Do-No-Harm programs
• Have hands on experience in spacecraft integration and test.
• Have experience with space or missile system integration and test and previous experience supporting at least one launch campaign at either the Eastern Range, Western Range, or DOW missile launch facility (WSMR, PMRF, KLC).
• Have experience working in an AS9100 environment or auditing to AS9100.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually