Launch System Safety Engineer

General information Requisition # R66415 Locations USA-CA-Lompoc Posting Date 03/03/2026 Security Clearance Required Secret Remote Type Onsite Time Type Full time Description & Requirements Shape the future of defense with MANTECH! Join a team dedicated to safeguarding our nation through advanced tech and innovative solutions. Since 1968, we've been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense, delivering cutting-edge projects that make a real impact. Dive into exciting opportunities in Cybersecurity, IT, Data Analytics and more. Propel your career forward and be part of something extraordinary. Your journey starts now—protect and innovate with MANTECH! MANTECH seeks a highly talented and mission-driven Launch Systems Safety Engineer to join our team at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), CA. The Launch Systems Safety Engineer will help protect our national security by providing critical systems safety engineering for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. This role is deeply integrated into the safety and readiness lifecycle of launch vehicles and launch complex systems, ensuring that all facility operations, test plans, and integration activities meet rigorous safety standards. You will play a vital role in ensuring mission success by performing risk assessments, monitoring launch site infrastructure, and verifying that all Launch Support Provider (LSP) activities comply with Department of Defense and Space Force requirements. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Reviewing and analyzing launch site and vehicle designs, test plans, and functional requirements to ensure operational safety and compliance with DoD, Space Force, and Air Force requirements (e.g., SSMP, PESHE, NSS 03-01)
• Providing facility systems engineering oversight, including risk assessments, monitoring project status, and managing architecture baselines for communication, power, HVAC, and emergency management systems
• Conducting comprehensive systems engineering analyses and design reviews to identify requirement shortfalls, provide capability assessments, and ensure facility readiness to meet mission needs
• Verifying that technical Launch Support Provider (LSP) documentation and activities—including flight termination systems and critical safety components—comply with safety requirements (e.g., EWR 127-1, SSCMAN 91-710, MIL-STD-882E)
• Performing system safety assessments of payload integration, ground testing, and flight safety activities, reporting any noted deficiencies to the USG within 24 hours to ensure mission readiness
• Leading launch site project management and quality control inspections, including updating drawings, system configurations, and maintaining continuity products like facility layouts and schematics
• Managing hazardous mission logistics by scheduling hazardous operations, completing Convoy Plans, and coordinating the removal of mission-related waste in accordance with environmental requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• 3+ years of STEM experience in relevant fields
• 1+ year of experience in NSSL, Launch/Range, DoD, or NASA systems safety
• Solid working knowledge of launch vehicle and launch complex systems and familiarity with launch program safety requirements
• Experience in project management and facilities/infrastructure oversight

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in systems safety engineering and facility integration
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing JIRA, Confluence, and Mattermost for project management and documentation
• Strong communication and auditing skills, including the ability to resolve conflicts and exchange accurate information in high-pressure situations
• Ability to work proactively to identify and address customer concerns rapidly while producing high-quality assessment summaries and position papers

Clearance Requirements:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50%.
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Frequently communicates with co-workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations.

Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. The projected compensation range for this position is $77,200.00-$128,800.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, MANTECH invests in its employees beyond just compensation. MANTECH's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, short-term and long-term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections. MANTECH International Corporation considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to disability or veteran status or any other status protected under any federal, state, or local law or regulation. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with MANTECH, please email us at careers@mantech.com and provide your name and contact information.