ASTRION, INC.
Launch Subject Matter Expert (LSME)
ASTRION, INC., El Segundo, California, United States, 90245
Overview Launch Subject Matter Expert (LSME)
Location:
El Segundo |
Clearance:
TS/SCI Required Sector:
National Security Space Salary 150,000 to 200,000 Are you a launch systems expert ready to influence the next generation of national security space missions? Join the
Astrion
team as a
Launch Subject Matter Expert (LSME)
and bring your specialized knowledge to bear on high-stakes programs that shape the future of space operations. In this senior technical role, you'll serve as a trusted advisor to government stakeholders, applying advanced engineering insight to complex launch vehicle systems, mission assurance planning, and emerging space launch initiatives. This is an opportunity to lead from the front-blending technical depth with strategic foresight in a mission-critical environment. Key Responsibilities
Serve as a senior technical authority
on all aspects of space launch systems, with a focus on integration, mission assurance, and certification
Lead
engineering assessments and risk evaluations
for launch systems, infrastructure, and interfaces, supporting government and contractor reviews
Guide the development of
mission assurance requirements, certification processes, and launch readiness frameworks
across both legacy and emerging launch platforms
Collaborate with key stakeholders including
NASA, USSF, NRO/IC, and OSL
to drive launch planning, readiness, and cross-agency integration
Support
new entrant certification
efforts-evaluating capabilities, guiding non-recurring certification activities, and helping shape launch vehicle policy and procedures
Provide
strategic analysis
on fleet changes, launch alternatives, and technology issues with direct impact on national security launch operations
Lead the development of
mission-critical documentation , including milestone briefs, requirements packages, data products, lessons learned, and policy guidance
Act as a
reach-back resource
for senior leadership, offering expert insight to inform high-level decisions on fleet health, mission compatibility, and operational readiness
What You Bring
Recognized expertise in
launch vehicle systems and integration , including experience with interface compatibility, launch infrastructure, and mission certification
Ability to
synthesize complex data , derive technical requirements, and guide the development of strategic policy, certification standards, and launch processes
Substantial experience supporting
short-term studies, design reviews, and systems-level requirements management
Deep familiarity with
fleet-wide launch operations , hardware performance monitoring, and resolving mission assurance issues
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills-able to engage effectively across multiple agencies, industry partners, and technical domains
Required Qualifications
General Level IV (G4) qualification (Desired: Advanced degree in a STEM discipline)
Significant technical experience in the
launch systems domain , particularly within government or national security space programs
Proven ability to assess
launch service providers, evaluate technical risks , and lead recurring and non-recurring mission certification efforts
U.S. citizenship and an
active TS/SCI clearance
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working directly with
NRO, OSL, USSF, or NASA
launch programs
Familiarity with
new entrant launch vehicle certification frameworks
and evolving commercial space practices
Strategic understanding of
launch fleet changes, technology transitions, and mission assurance best practices
Why Join Us? Step into a role that makes a difference-at the heart of launch integration, policy development, and mission assurance. As a Launch SME, you won't just support missions-you'll shape them.
Location:
El Segundo |
Clearance:
TS/SCI Required Sector:
National Security Space Salary 150,000 to 200,000 Are you a launch systems expert ready to influence the next generation of national security space missions? Join the
Astrion
team as a
Launch Subject Matter Expert (LSME)
and bring your specialized knowledge to bear on high-stakes programs that shape the future of space operations. In this senior technical role, you'll serve as a trusted advisor to government stakeholders, applying advanced engineering insight to complex launch vehicle systems, mission assurance planning, and emerging space launch initiatives. This is an opportunity to lead from the front-blending technical depth with strategic foresight in a mission-critical environment. Key Responsibilities
Serve as a senior technical authority
on all aspects of space launch systems, with a focus on integration, mission assurance, and certification
Lead
engineering assessments and risk evaluations
for launch systems, infrastructure, and interfaces, supporting government and contractor reviews
Guide the development of
mission assurance requirements, certification processes, and launch readiness frameworks
across both legacy and emerging launch platforms
Collaborate with key stakeholders including
NASA, USSF, NRO/IC, and OSL
to drive launch planning, readiness, and cross-agency integration
Support
new entrant certification
efforts-evaluating capabilities, guiding non-recurring certification activities, and helping shape launch vehicle policy and procedures
Provide
strategic analysis
on fleet changes, launch alternatives, and technology issues with direct impact on national security launch operations
Lead the development of
mission-critical documentation , including milestone briefs, requirements packages, data products, lessons learned, and policy guidance
Act as a
reach-back resource
for senior leadership, offering expert insight to inform high-level decisions on fleet health, mission compatibility, and operational readiness
What You Bring
Recognized expertise in
launch vehicle systems and integration , including experience with interface compatibility, launch infrastructure, and mission certification
Ability to
synthesize complex data , derive technical requirements, and guide the development of strategic policy, certification standards, and launch processes
Substantial experience supporting
short-term studies, design reviews, and systems-level requirements management
Deep familiarity with
fleet-wide launch operations , hardware performance monitoring, and resolving mission assurance issues
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills-able to engage effectively across multiple agencies, industry partners, and technical domains
Required Qualifications
General Level IV (G4) qualification (Desired: Advanced degree in a STEM discipline)
Significant technical experience in the
launch systems domain , particularly within government or national security space programs
Proven ability to assess
launch service providers, evaluate technical risks , and lead recurring and non-recurring mission certification efforts
U.S. citizenship and an
active TS/SCI clearance
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working directly with
NRO, OSL, USSF, or NASA
launch programs
Familiarity with
new entrant launch vehicle certification frameworks
and evolving commercial space practices
Strategic understanding of
launch fleet changes, technology transitions, and mission assurance best practices
Why Join Us? Step into a role that makes a difference-at the heart of launch integration, policy development, and mission assurance. As a Launch SME, you won't just support missions-you'll shape them.