ARES Corporation seeks a Human Spaceflight Range and Avionics Systems Engineer to join an engineering team supporting United Launch Alliance (ULA) and NASA's Artemis program. This role focuses on Centaur V upper stage avionics architecture, range interfaces, and Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) integration for crewed missions, with system safety as a supporting discipline.
In support of ULA's Human Spaceflight Team, the selected candidate will evaluate vehicle avionics and flight safety systems, assess range and ground interfaces, and ensure Centaur V meets applicable range safety and NASA human-rating requirements for crewed flight. The position emphasizes technical evaluation of systems architectures, interfaces, fault tolerance, and verification strategies, with safety analyses and documentation as key supporting activities.
Work location: Well-qualified remote candidates will be considered. Candidates local to ULA in Centennial, CO willing to work a hybrid schedule are preferred.
Essential Functions:- Avionics and Flight Safety Systems Evaluation: Assess Centaur V avionics architecture and flight safety functions, including Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) design, interfaces, inhibit/control strategies, and verification approaches. Evaluate fault tolerance and technical rationale supporting human-rating and range flight safety certification.
- Range and Ground Interface Support: Evaluate vehicle-to-range and ground system interfaces relevant to flight safety and launch operations. Support integration and compliance activities spanning vehicle avionics, ground systems, and range safety requirements.
- Systems Analysis and Requirements Compliance: Perform and support technical analyses of safety-critical systems and interfaces. Contribute to hazard identification, risk evaluation, and mitigation strategies consistent with NASA human spaceflight standards and applicable range safety requirements.
- Safety Documentation and Review Support: Support development, review, and maintenance of hazard reports, safety analyses, and compliance documentation. Prepare for and participate in NASA and range safety reviews, including coordination with NASA safety organizations and range safety authorities, presentation of technical data, and closure of actions and findings.
Minimum Requirements:- Background in systems engineering, avionics, or related technical disciplines for complex, high-reliability aerospace systems, with familiarity with launch vehicle range interfaces and flight safety systems.
- Experience evaluating avionics architectures, safety-critical systems, or range/ground interfaces for launch vehicles, human spaceflight systems, or similarly critical applications.
- Experience with NASA technical standards and processes, and familiarity with range flight safety requirements (e.g., AFSS, flight termination, or related range safety criteria).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex systems for failure modes, fault tolerance, and risk.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly present technical rationale and analyses to NASA customers and senior management.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple competing priorities.
- Dedication to crew safety and mission success with high personal accountability.
Preferred Qualifications:- Direct experience supporting NASA human spaceflight programs (Artemis, SLS, Orion, Commercial Crew, or similar) and/or launch range organizations.
- Hands-on experience with range safety processes, Safety Review Panels, or equivalent technical review forums.
- Background in launch vehicle or spacecraft avionics, including familiarity with flight safety systems, command/control architectures, or safety-critical software/firmware interfaces.
- Familiarity or direct experience with Autonomous Flight Safety Systems (AFSS), Flight Termination Systems (FTS), or equivalent range flight safety systems.
- Experience developing or supporting hazard analyses, safety reports, or related compliance documentation for human-rated or high-hazard systems.
Required Education/Experience:- BS/BA degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
6+ years of professional experience in systems engineering, avionics, range/flight safety systems, or related technical roles, preferably within human spaceflight, launch vehicles, or other high-reliability aerospace programs
ARES offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees may participate in:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- HSA/FSA Accounts
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off & Holidays
- ARES is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer.
ARES is an equal opportunity employer and complies with E-Verify. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law. ARES shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a).
