Range Safety Engineer SLD SEAL

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45) Safety Engineering Analysis Launch (SEAL) (vehicle and ground systems) at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida is searching for a Range Safety Engineer (NH-0803-03, GS 12/13 equivalent).
Description:As a critical technical authority within the Space Launch Delta safety infrastructure, the Range Safety Engineer acts as the primary Point of Contact (POC) for assigned programs—including launch vehicles, Flight Termination Systems (FTS), payloads, ground support equipment, and facility operations—while directly coordinating comprehensive safety activities such as technical interchange meetings, program introductions, statement of capability evaluations, procedural reviews, incident resolutions, and FAA/AST coordination. Serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), this engineer operates as the Program Lead Systems Safety Engineer to oversee end-to-end system safety, tailor complex AFSPCMAN 91-710 Range Safety User Requirements, and evaluate non-compliances to determine the operational boundaries of deviations or waivers. Maintaining high-level technical expertise in critical fields—ranging from high-pressure systems and composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) to ordnance, toxic propellant diffusion modeling, explosive overpressure modeling, and lightning protection—the engineer cross-functionally leads multi-program safety initiatives and actively identifies when to leverage specialized engineering equivalents to guarantee the uncompromised safety of national security space launch operations.
The ideal candidate for this critical national security role possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering field or related science and must possess the immediate capability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. They demonstrate a comprehensive, working knowledge of health, safety, and environmental mandates outlined in SPFCMAN 91-710 Range Safety User Requirements, alongside a deep operational familiarity with Eastern Range launch vehicles, Flight Termination Systems (FTS), payloads, ground support equipment, facilities, and their corresponding organizational and contractual frameworks. Crucially, the candidate exhibits an exceptional level of professional judgment, resourcefulness, and technical originality, proving themselves uniquely capable of anticipating, navigating, and adapting range safety operations to the rapid pace of changing aerospace technology and administrative processes.
Key Skills and Abilities:1. Professional knowledge of multidiscipline engineering concepts, principles, consensus standards, and practices.2. Knowledge of engineering standards, methods, practices, and techniques, materials, and equipment to determine compliance with federal, state, and local codes and regulations.3. Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements as outlined in SPFCMAN 91-710 (formerly AFSPCMAN or EWR 127-1) and other applicable standards, regulations, and/or technical orders.4. Knowledge of risk management techniques and cost-benefit analyses.5. Skill in determining and negotiating acceptable resolutions to complex engineering problems which require considerations of safety, cost, and schedule.6. Skill in operating a computer and common applications, and learning new applications and systems.7. Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and procedures in a variety of situations and recommend timely and economical solutions.8. Ability to plan and organize programs and coordinate with other engineering disciplines, other personnel, and organizations as required.9. Ability to communicate effectively by speech, in writing, and in the virtual environment, maintaining good working relationships.10. Knowledge of Eastern Range launch vehicles, flight termination systems, payloads, ground support equipment, facilities, organizations, and contracts.
Requirements:1. Must be a U.S Citizen.2. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.3. Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.4. A professional engineering degree at the bachelor’s level from an ABET accredited institution, or in a closely related technical field as desired by the hiring organization, is required.5. Must exhibit a high degree of judgment, resourcefulness, originality, and the ability to foresee and adapt to the impact of changing technology and administrative processes.6. Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.7. Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.8. May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.9. May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.10. PCS is authorized. Incentive is not authorized.11. This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.
Organization:The United States Space Force (USSF) is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips military members and civilians to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands (CCMDs).
The strategic importance of space can’t be overstated. Political and humanitarian interests as well as commercial concerns vital to the world economy all rely on space-based systems. Launched in 2019 as the nation’s sixth and newest military branch, the USSF was created to protect the interests and assets of America and its allies in this heavily contested realm. The Department of Defense relies on satellites and advanced space-based technology for secure communications, navigation, real-time reconnaissance, precision targeting on the battlefield, early warning of potential missile launches, and even weather forecasting. Guardians and civilians of the USSF are challenged every day to reach new heights in protecting and amplifying these space-based capabilities and defending our way of life by maintaining our edge in space.
The Space Force wants to attract talent with the character and potential to excel, empower them with information and choices, and develop them in line with their desires and the Space Force’s needs to create a high-performing organization necessary to secure and defend space.