Mission Certification Engineer 3 (Payloads-Mechanical Engineer)

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Date: Oct 16, 2026

Location: Cape Canaveral, FL, US, 32925

Company: United Launch Alliance

Requisition ID: 2284

Location: ULA - Cape Canaveral 

Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available 

Travel Requirements: 10% 

 

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

 

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

  

Do you enjoy working hands‑on with launch vehicle hardware, solving time‑critical cross‑system issues, and ensuring every mission is flight‑ready? As a Launch Site Mission Certification Engineer (MCE), you will help process and certify vehicles for launch from our Cape Canaveral facility. 

Serving as an engineering representative at the Launch Site, this role blends liaison and field engineering. You will act as a crucial bridge to Launch Operations—removing obstacles, driving mission success, and ensuring Design Center requirements are upheld. Current employees are encouraged to apply, even if you do not meet every listed qualification. 

This position focuses on Payload Accommodations. The MCE owns and assesses system and subsystem readiness, verifying hardware conformity and functional performance throughout Launch Processing. The role reports to the Launch Site Mission Certification Lead and works closely with Responsible Systems Engineers (RSEs) and Vehicle Systems Engineers (VSEs). 

This position is for a Payload Accommodations Mission Certification Engineer (MCE) 

Job Overview & Responsibilities:

Seeking Launch Vehicle Mechanical Engineers holding experience in one or more of the following specializations to join the Mission Certification Engineering team at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station: 

  • Composite and metallic structural and mechanical components 

  • Integration of major structural assemblies 

  • Thermal protection systems 

Responsibilities will include: 

  • Detect, diagnose, and resolve vehicle hardware non-conformances and performance anomalies 

  • Earn and hold Material Review Board certification 

  • Earn and hold a Mission Certification Engineer credential in assigned systems 

  • Visually inspect composite and metallic launch vehicle hardware to ensure conformance to design requirements 

  • Review test data to ensure systems are performing to specification and within family norms 

  • Ensure operations plans meet engineering intent 

  • Coordinate and execute design changes  

  • Coordinate Engineering significant anomalies with Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE), Authorized Systems Engineers (ASE), and Chief Engineers.  

  • Actively seek out and implement improvements to design, test, and operations processes 

  • Provide subject matter expertise on assigned systems to Launch Operations 

  • Using knowledge gained by being embedded with Operations, provide guidance to Design Center personnel on operational realities 

  • Document and present risk posture and launch readiness status to the Chief Engineers 

  • Support launches from the Engineering Support Area of the Launch Control Center as a member of the Day of Launch Anomaly Resolution Team 

  • Develop and maintain Engineering Walkdown Checklists; define requirements for close‑out photos; approve close‑out photos taken by Launch Operations. 

 

Required Education

Bachelor

 

Required Years of Experience

Minimum of 4 years of related work experience

 

Basic Qualifications

    • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related STEM field from an accredited college or university 

    • At least 4 years of applicable experience in the associated technical areas listed above 

    • Experience with issue resolution and working with cross-functional teams 

    • Ability to critically review inputs and identify missing or inconsistent information or data 

    • Proven ability to build effective working relationships, especially across geographic boundaries 

    • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance 

 

Preferred Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university 

    • Engineering MRB (Material Review Board) training or certification 

    • Previous experience supporting launch operations, vehicle processing, and/or certification for launch 

    • Previously demonstrated ability to function as a Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE) or Mission Certification Engineer (MCE) on systems or subsystems of expertise 

    • Background working in high‑reliability aerospace environments, including payload processing facilities or launch vehicle processing operations 

    • Practical experience in the fabrication, layup, and assembly of large carbon fiber composite parts 

    • Experience with NDT methods for composite structures 

    • Background working in clean room or contamination‑sensitive production environments 

    • Active DoD security clearance 

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.

 

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

  • 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
  • Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
  • Generous paid time off
  • Flexible work environments

 

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

 

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

 

 

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).

 

ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

 

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).

 

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted.


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