Systems Engineer 3

United Launch Alliance (ULA); Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Discretionary annual incentive bonus

Generous paid time off

Flexible work environments

9/80 schedule

Job summary

United Launch Alliance (ULA) in Denver seeks a Level 3 Systems Engineer to support Vulcan Development, driving upgrades to the Vulcan Centaur system and advancing future launch capabilities. The role requires independent problem solving, technical depth, and ownership of engineering products with minimal oversight.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, 4+ years of experience, and experience leading cross-functional technical efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience generating, allocating, and verifying requirements.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical efforts.
• Experience preparing for and participating in major design or gate reviews.
• Ability to influence technical direction without formal authority.

Responsibilities

• Function as an independent integrator with cross-technology airborne development teams.
• Lead evaluation of customer/operational needs and drive requirements development, allocation, integration, and verification planning.
• Conduct technical analyses, fishbone/FMEAs, system performance assessments, and integration studies.
• Lead subsystem-level trade studies, develop technical recommendations, and present results to leadership.
• Support and guide cross-functional resolution of technical issues.
• Develop and maintain architecture, verification logic, and cross-discipline technical data.
• Support program execution planning and risk/issue/opportunity management.
• Prepare content for major design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and influence technical decision-making.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

System integration

Requirements-driven design

Agile practices

MBSE

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Teamcenter

DOORS

Cameo/MagicDraw

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Requisition ID: 1813

Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00

Location: ULA - Denver

Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available

Travel Requirements: 25%

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

This position supports ULA’s Vulcan Development organization, contributing to upgrades to the Vulcan Centaur launch system and development activities that expand ULA’s future launch capabilities. Level 3 Systems Engineers act as independent integrators, bringing strong technical depth and engineering judgment. This role requires the ability to independently solve technical problems, influence team direction, and own systems engineering products with minimal oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Function as an independent integrator with cross-technology airborne development teams.
• Lead evaluation of customer/operational needs and drive requirements development, allocation, integration, and verification planning.
• Conduct technical analyses, fishbone/FMEAs, system performance assessments, and integration studies.
• Lead subsystem-level trade studies, develop technical recommendations, and present results to leadership.
• Support and guide cross-functional resolution of technical issues.
• Develop and maintain architecture, verification logic, and cross-discipline technical data.
• Support program execution planning and risk/issue/opportunity management.
• Prepare content for major design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and influence technical decision-making.
• Appropriately scale systems engineering rigor based on project maturity and risk.
• Demonstrate an Agile mindset by driving incremental value, supporting iterative planning, and collaborating closely with cross-functional Agile teams.

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years Of Experience

Minimum of 4 years of related work experience

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university.
• Strong technical depth in one or more engineering domains relevant to launch vehicles (propulsion, structures, avionics, FSW/GSW, etc.).
• Experience generating, allocating, and verifying requirements.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical efforts.
• Experience preparing for and participating in major design or gate reviews.
• Ability to influence technical direction without formal authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in digital engineering / MBSE, including architecture modeling, behavioral modeling, or requirements-to-model traceability.
• Ability to diagnose integration challenges across subsystems using strong engineering fundamentals.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate technical data into actionable conclusions.
• Experience with tools such as Teamcenter, DOORS, Cameo/MagicDraw, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar to produce technically credible engineering outputs.
• Experience mentoring early-career engineers or leading focused technical activities.
• Experience working within Agile frameworks (e.g., Scrum) and contributing to Agile ceremonies and team workflows.

Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $99,604.00 - $166,007.00

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