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Launch Operations Engineer, 5 SLS

Department of the Air Force
Space Systems Command
United States Space Force / Space Systems Command / 5 Space Launch Station

Summary

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Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 07/01/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 1, 2026
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$90,173 - $139,398 per year
Pay scale & grade
NH 3
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
SF-FY26-6S-NH-0801-3-SPLASH
Control number
874199600

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Duties

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The United States Space Force (USSF) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL is searching for a Launch Operations Engineer, 5 SLS (NH-0801-03, GS-12/13 equivalent).

*2 Positions Available - 1 at Top-Secret and 1 at Secret level*

Description:
Are you an engineer driven by the challenge of assuring access to space for the nation? Do you excel at the intersection of systems engineering, mission assurance, and hands-on technical oversight? The 5th Space Launch Squadron is looking for a General Engineer to serve as a technical authority and operations advisor for the world's most advanced commercial and government launch systems. In this critical role, you will be the engineering backbone for our mission, providing the expertise needed to integrate, evaluate, and assure current and emerging spacecraft and launch vehicle activities.

This isn't just a desk job; it's a mission-focused opportunity to put your engineering skills to the ultimate test. You will be a key player from the factory to the launch pad, serving as the technical authority for vehicle certification, performing on-console operations, leading multi-disciplinary engineering efforts, and providing the critical risk assessments that inform leadership decisions. Your work will directly contribute to delivering assured space launch, range, and combat capabilities for the nation. If you have a broad engineering background, a passion for space, and the drive to solve complex problems, we want you on our team. Join us and help shape the future of space launch.


Ideal Candidate:
- Role & Leadership: A self-starter and leader with a strong desire to serve as an engineering and technical operations advisor, providing technical leadership and expertise in systems engineering, contractor control, and oversight of spacecraft and launch vehicle processing.
- Technical Background: An advanced technical background that supports in-depth developmental test and evaluations. This includes a broad engineering foundation in systems engineering, electrical and mechanical structures, fluid mechanics, control theory, inertial navigation, and special testing methods associated with spacecraft and space launch vehicles.

Experience:
o Proven ability in mission assurance, technical risk management, and contractor oversight for complex systems.
o Hands-on experience with launch operations, which may include on-console support, overseeing spaceflight hardware, reviewing test data, and performing failure analysis.
o Familiarity with DoD/commercial launch policies, program management, and acquisition processes.
- Skills: Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to encourage new ideas, build coalitions to achieve common goals, and communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse teams.
- Work Environment Adaptability: Must be able to work in varied conditions, including office settings and industrial areas. This may require climbing stairs and ladders, entering restrictive launch vehicle compartments, working at heights on platforms, and occasional exposure to outdoor elements and hazardous areas.

Developmental Opportunity: Outstanding students or recent graduates with a strong academic record and relevant internship or co-op experience may be considered for a developmental position.



Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S Citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret or Secret security clearance.
  • Safeguards classified or sensitive budget-related information and/or files.
  • May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
  • Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
  • This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.
  • Employee may be required to perform travel by military or commercial passenger aircraft in the performance of temporary duty assignments.
  • PCS / relocation funding is not authorized.
  • Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.
  • This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Testing Program.
  • The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
  • A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET accredited institution in (specific discipline of position) or a closely related field is required.
  • Must be able to climb and descend stairs (as many as 12 flights), climb ladders, enter restrictive launch vehicle compartments and work platforms.
  • Work may require prolonged standing, exposure to the outside elements, and in the immediate vicinity of hazardous areas.
  • This position is part of the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).

Qualifications

The 0801 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. In addition to the above requirements you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here:

Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

Space Systems Command

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) will be used to form a pool of qualified applicants who will be considered for direct hire vacancies as they become available.

To learn more about the United States Space Force Mission click here

Agency contact information

US Space Force Enterprise Talent Management
Email
HQ.USSF.TalentAcquisition@spaceforce.mil
Address
USSF - Space Systems Command
1670 Space Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
US

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