Mission Assurance Project Leader

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis. SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. 

The Mission Assurance Subdivision (MAS) uses objective and repeatable methods to deliver risk and safety assessments, reliability optimization and resiliency planning, operational readiness, and product assurance. MAS supports acquisition and systems engineering of systems, systems-of-systems, facilities, and enterprises across the lifecycle for the USSF, NASA, NOAA, Intelligence Community (IC) and other Agencies.  

The manufacturing and mission assurance department (MMAD) provides product and process assurance and manufacturing expertise across the acquisition lifecycle.  A particular interest of MMAD is increasing capability in industrial base assessment, effective supplier and subcontractor management, and supply chain risk identification and mitigation strategies.  Given the transition to proliferated constellations, with accelerated acquisition timelines and higher volume production, effective industrial base capability assessment, supply chain risk identification, management and mitigation, supply chain requirement development, oversight and execution, and problem resolution is critical to successful government contract execution. 

The Industrial Base/Supply Chain Engineer – (Project Leader – Mission Assurance Engineering)  will serve as an integration leader and/or coordinator of a team of technical contributors performing industrial base assessments across the space system lifecycle, supporting future strategy for data-supported risk decisions related to the industrial base, supporting independent reviews of supplier/subcontractor facilities, capabilities and processes, and influencing space system industrial base policy and guidance that effect operational reliability. This person will organize and lead interdisciplinary teams to perform industrial base studies involving forward looking risk and mission assurance assessments of space systems. 

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA which requires 100% onsite work 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Partner with the government to identify and mitigate supply chain, industrial base and space vehicle parts issues and quality concerns for a broad range of government programs. 

• Develop strategies to mitigate industrial base issues and concerns impacting the availability of components and to address technology obsolescence concerns including research and development infusion or industrial base financial stimulation necessary to ensure industry capability to meet government production needs. 

• Work with internal Aerospace labs and subject matter experts along with industry in the analysis of parts anomalies and product disruptions to determine root cause and to qualify alternatives. 

• Lead and monitor technical projects related to the manufacture or certification of technologies whose current or future availability are at risk, and which are critical to current and future programs 

• Partner with the government to evaluate and employ commercially available industrial base illumination and supply chain risk management assessment tools. 

• Develop, plan and execute on-site supplier assessments against AS9100 and supplier policy criteria to identify process shortfalls and concerns 

• Perform complex assignments independently without appreciable direction exercising considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignment. 

​What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the (Engineering Specialist – Mission Assurance Engineering)   

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, sciences, mathematics, or related discipline. 

• 8 years of progressively more responsible engineering/scientific experience including experience leading a team, process, and/or projects from conception to completion 

• Previous experience working with vendors and other agencies to mitigate supply-chain issues 

• Experience with planning, developing, and executing procurement of specialized materials, and complex assemblies for a defense space Integrated Product Team (IPT), Program, or collection of Programs. 

• Experience developing new suppliers, performing supply-chain risk management, assessing supplier performance, developing and executing supplier return-to-green mitigation plans, and supply chain issue resolution plans. 

• Experience developing and performing supplier on-site assessments and root cause, corrective action investigations 

• Effective, concise, compelling communication skills 

• Ability to build relationships across the government, SETAs, prime contractors and sub-tier suppliers. 

• Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams 

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.   

How You Can Stand Out 

• It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Background in government acquisitions 

• Familiarity with Space Industrial Base 

• Knowledge of and familiarity with Mission Assurance Compliance Standards, FAR/DFARS regulations and agency supplements 

• Proven experience with supplier management including development and execution of hardware specifications, Statement of Work, terms and conditions, and Contract Data deliverables for major/key subcontractors 

• Experience formulating and utilizing appropriate metrics and indicators to manage and improve supplier/subcontractor performance. 

• Direct experience cultivating and maintaining strong working relationships with program leadership, government, prime contractors and sub-tier suppliers 

• Proven team leadership