Principal Engineer - CEV

Since our founding in 1982, Orbital has pioneered new classes of rockets, satellites and other space systems that have made us one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of space and missile systems. Our commercial, civil government and military customers depend on our low-orbit, geostationary and planetary spacecraft to help them meet their communications, remote sensing and scientific missions. We also launch exciting new careers every day. Join us in bringing the benefits of space down to Earth!

Job Summary:
NASA is developing the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) to transport a crew of six to and from the International Space Station and a crew of four to and from the moon in support of the Vision for Space Exploration. The CEV is composed of an Apollo style Crew Module (CM), a Service Module (SM), and the Launch Abort System (LAS) and will have first flight in the 2012 timeframe. The LAS provides escape capability for the crew from pad operations through ascent after which the unused LAS is jettisoned. The LAS is composed primarily of solid rocket motors, separation mechanisms, actuators, adapter structure and will provide some of the most extreme accelerations and acoustic environments that the CEV will experience. Orbital Sciences Corporation has teamed with Lockheed Martin and will serve as the developer of the LAS. Several launch abort tests are planned with the first scheduled for December 2008.

The LAS Risk Management Lead will be responsible for defining, tracking and reporting all LAS cost, schedule and technical risks and opportunities. The LAS Risk Management Lead will work closely with CEV Risk Management and Systems Engineering to mature and execute the risk waterfall plan for the LAS system and subsystems. This position will report directly to the LAS Program Manager. Responsibilities include weekly interfacing with NASA and Lockheed Martin customers and Risk Management teams, presentations at monthly reviews and technical interchange meetings, and supporting deliverable documentation.

Some travel maybe required.

Position contingent upon CEV Authority To Proceed.

Basic Qualifications:
BS Engineering, Math, or Physics required. Masters preferred.

Experience:
8+ years of related experience is required.

Experience with Risk Management required with emphasis on NASA Human Rated programs and launch vehicles desired.

Computer Experience:
Working knowledge of Windows and MS Office.

Additional Skills:
Experience with risk management tools such as Active Risk Manager (ARM).