Launch Subject Matter Expert

Overview VTG is looking for a Launch Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in Colorado Springs, CO and Los Angeles, CA. What will you do? Launch Subject Matter Experts (LSMEs) In general, Launch Subject Matter Experts (LSMEs) provide specialized technical support to assigned programs and projects in compliance with NRO Corporate Policies. LSME contractors are expected to possess General Level IV (G4) qualifications (Desired: STEM field degree), in addition to various types of specific expertise as described below. LSMEs have professional experience in planning, conducting, technical advisement, and participating in short-term studies, design reviews, and requirements management. They are also able to understand, synthesize, assess, and derive requirements for launch systems and services, requiring advanced knowledge and the ability to originate and apply new or unique methods and procedures. LSMEs have the ability to perform technical assessments and evaluations based on engineering analysis and review of systems and services, such as identifying technology issues, suggesting desired enhancements, defining mission assurance requirements, performing data management, process re-engineering, and conducting technical or programmatic analysis. LSMEs perform as recognized experts in specifications and/or utilization in the launch domain, and usually possess an advanced degree in the associated technical discipline as well as uniquely applicable experience or highly specialized knowledge. They support the development of required documentation to enable program/project planning, milestone preparation, requirements, deliverables and specifications development, execution, performance monitoring, and close-out, as well as the development of program/project briefs and associated meeting preparation. Launch SME Tasks Include: Support LV & SV contractor reviews to assess progress, issues, and mission requirements traceability Provide insights on LV issues that may affect the LV/SV interface, SV hardware, or launch infrastructure Facilitate launch collaboration activities between NASA, USSF, NRO/IC, and OSL organizations Develop and coordinate for approval, through corporate business processes, new entrant non-recurring certification guides, policies, and instructions Generate lessons learned that can be shared across mission teams Assess strategic impacts of proposed launch vehicle fleet changes Support New Entrant and other OSL program initiatives Support evaluating, certifying, and fostering relationships with emerging launch vehicle companies Provide new entrants assessment support for OSL non-recurring certification and framework of tasks needed for recurring mission certification Assess new entrant capabilities and processes Act as OSL Director's reach-back capability to aid decision-making processes Monitor and support resolution of fleet issues Reconcile launch service requirements against mission execution plans Standardize launch vehicle readiness activities where possible Monitor hardware issues and provide assessments Monitor and assess fleet-wide issues affecting mission assurance Assist in the development of consistent mission certification requirement processes Provide support to mission managers for launch certification activities Develop mission assurance requirements, specifications, data products, and deliverables Provide assessments of launch service alternatives and frame courses of action Do you have what it takes? Position requires a current and active TS/SCI with Poly; Years experience can be subsituted as follows: 5 YEARS EXP = ASSOCIATES 10 YEARS EXP = BACHELORS 15 YEARS EXP = MASTERS Ability to: Support LV & SV contractor reviews to assess progress, identify issues, and ensure mission requirements traceability Provide insights on LV issues that may affect the LV/SV interface, SV hardware, or launch infrastructure Facilitate launch collaboration activities between NASA, USSF, NRO/IC, and OSL organizations Develop and coordinate for approval, through corporate business processes, new entrant non-recurring certification guides, policies, and instructions Generate lessons learned that can be shared across mission teams Assess strategic impacts of proposed launch vehicle fleet changes Support New Entrant and other OSL program initiatives Support evaluation, certification, and relationship development with emerging launch vehicle companies Provide new entrant assessment support for OSL non-recurring certification and establish a framework for recurring mission certification Assess new entrants' capabilities and processes Act as the OSL Director's reach-back capability to support decision-making Monitor and support resolution of fleet issues Reconcile launch service requirements against mission execution plans Standardize launch vehicle readiness activities where possible Monitor hardware issues and provide assessments Monitor and assess fleet-wide issues affecting mission assurance Assist in developing consistent mission certification requirement processes Provide support to mission managers for launch certification activities Develop mission assurance requirements, specifications, data products, and deliverables Provide assessments of launch service alternatives and frame courses of action Pay Range: VTG's estimated starting pay range is $150,000 - 210,000 annually, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range