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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.