Axient LLC is seeking a Chief Engineer/Lead Systems Engineer in support of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Research and development Integrated Space Experiments (RISE) contract and the objectives of the RISE Program Management Office at Kirtland AFB, NM.

• Space Vehicle Design, Development, Fabrication, Assembly, Integration, and Test.
• Launch Integration and Support
• Mission Development and Operation

The Chief Engineer will support the Program Management Office as a working Engineering Lead performing the full spectrum of engineering duties, as well as, supporting front end solution architecting on other programs/contracts currently in execution or proposal development across the Space Division.  Requires an advanced understanding of engineering principles and applied knowledge of engineering technology and Systems Engineering (SE) concepts.

Contributions are expected to Monthly Status Reports, Scientific and Technical Reports, Test/Inspection Reports, Systems Engineering Management Plans, Technical and Management Work Plans, reviews of tech briefs and other report contributions when requested.  Provide input in the required format on or before due dates.  Additional Program level support may include:

• Satellite systems operations
• Satellite flight software design, development, and operations
• Satellite autonomy and the systems that provide control for the autonomy
• Clean room environments and integration requirements
• Engineering principles and SE processes
• Must be able to work and lead efforts in a dynamic and multi-task work environment by prioritizing work and coordinating to task/project schedules
• Must be able to manage and decompose requirements in specific technical areas
• Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a team environment a must
• Exercise a high degree of originality and sound judgment in formulating, evaluating, and correlating broad engineering research concepts and guiding the analysis of unique problems and solutions
• May apply standard methodologies but is responsible for innovative thinking, problem solving, and independent judgment in resolving complex issues

Work Scope:

• Work in fast paced environment
• Lead SE efforts and assist in mentoring other engineers
• Oversee SE of mission design, development, and execution when requested
• Coordinate people, resources, and data through the appropriate reviews (tailorable) and ensure documentation is complete
• Assist in setting entry and exit criteria for engineering peer reviews, flight safety reviews, and Tech Briefs
• Work with AFRL government personnel and other contractors to integrate engineering technology improvements
• Assist with development/understanding of project test requirements/scenarios
• Analyze program/project objectives and requirements and develop plans for conducting projects
• Review project instructions to ascertain requirements, specifications, procedures, objectives, equipment, nature of technical problem, and possible solutions, when required
• Set up and conduct tests or studies of complete systems, components, or concepts under research test conditions
• Collaborate with AI&T engineers and technicians
• Create reports and other documentation necessary to describe the results of studies and/or tests
• Analyze indicated and calculated results in relation to requirements, specifications, or test objectives
• Mentors engineers in specific technical areas and/or the SE process and project management principles
• Follow the safe practices and rules contained in the Safety and Health Plan and other such rules and practices communicated on the job

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in STEM discipline from a regionally accredited institution required.
• Minimum of 10 years systems engineering experience related to DoD & major space systems/programs required.
• Requires advanced understanding of engineering principles and applied knowledge of engineering technology and Systems Engineering (SE) concepts.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as a part of a larger team (customers, clients, co-workers, management, contractors, etc.) required.
• Must adhere to any applicable safety requirements.
• Physical requirements – must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Travel requirements – some travel is anticipated both locally and long distance by car or plane.
• Must have an active and transferrable DoD security clearance with current investigation at the required level.  Must be able to maintain the required clearance.  DoD clearance eligibility requirements include US citizenship.

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous space acquisition experience (SPRDE) desired.
• Space mission area experience in one or more of the following:  MilSatCom, Missile Warning, PNT, SDA, ISR.
• Experience with principles of resiliency, rapid prototyping, cloud-based environments, AI and non-traditional commercial industry best practices preferred.
• DAWIA Level 3 Systems Engineering certification/demonstration of continuing education.

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