Human Spaceflight Range/System Safety Engineer (Remote/Hybrid)

Job Description

Job Description

ARES Corporation seeks a Human Spaceflight Range / System Safety Engineer to join an engineering team supporting United Launch Alliance (ULA) and NASA’s Artemis program. This is a targeted system safety role focused on ground and range safety requirements, launch vehicle avionics, and Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) integration for the Centaur V upper stage on crewed Artemis missions.

In support of ULA’s Human Spaceflight Team, the selected candidate will apply system safety engineering to vehicle, ground, and range interfaces; evaluate AFSS and related flight safety functions; and ensure Centaur V meets NASA’s human-rating and applicable range safety requirements necessary for safe crewed flight.

Work location: Well qualified remote candidates will be considered. Candidates local to ULA in Centennial, CO willing to work a hybrid schedule are preferred.

Essential Functions:

• System Safety Program Support: Support system safety activities for the Centaur V upper stage, including development, review, and maintenance of hazard reports, safety analyses, and safety requirements compliance documentation spanning flight, ground, and range safety interfaces.
• Hazard Analysis & Risk Mitigation: Perform and support detailed hazard analyses for vehicle, avionics, ground operations, and range safety functions. Identify credible hazards, evaluate risk, and develop mitigation strategies consistent with NASA human spaceflight safety standards and applicable ground/range safety requirements.
• Flight Safety, Avionics, and AFSS Support: Evaluate Centaur V avionics and flight safety architecture, including Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) design, interfaces, and verification. Assess fault tolerance, inhibit/control strategies, and technical rationale supporting human-rating and range flight safety certification.
• Safety Review & Customer Coordination: Prepare for and support NASA and range safety reviews, including coordination with NASA safety organizations and range safety authorities, presentation of safety data, and closure of safety actions and findings.

Minimum Requirements:

• Background in System Safety Engineering for complex, high-reliability aerospace systems, with familiarity with ground and range safety requirements applicable to launch vehicles.
• Experience developing hazard reports, performing hazard analyses, and supporting safety certification for human spaceflight, launch vehicles, or similarly critical systems.
• Experience with NASA safety standards and processes, and familiarity with ground and/or range safety requirements (e.g., range flight safety, flight termination or AFSS-related requirements, ground hazardous operations).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex systems for safety-critical failure modes and risk.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly present safety rationale and risk assessments to NASA customers and senior management.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Dedication to crew safety and mission success with high personal accountability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience supporting NASA human spaceflight programs (Artemis, SLS, Orion, Commercial Crew, or similar) and/or launch range safety organizations.
• Hands-on experience with NASA and/or range safety review processes (e.g., Safety Review Panels, Hazard Review Boards, Range Safety Working Groups).
• Background in launch vehicle or spacecraft avionics, including familiarity with flight safety systems, command/control architectures, or safety-critical software/firmware interfaces.
• Familiarity or direct experience with Autonomous Flight Safety Systems (AFSS), Flight Termination Systems (FTS), or equivalent range flight safety systems.

Required Education/Experience:

• BS/BA degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Safety Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of professional experience including System Safety Engineering, preferably within human spaceflight, launch vehicles, range safety, or other high-hazard aerospace programs.

ARES offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees may participate in:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• HSA/FSA Accounts
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• ARES is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer.

ARES is an equal opportunity employer and complies with E-Verify. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law. ARES shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a).