Reliability Engineer III

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. Relocation provided. Travel expected up to 20% of the time.

About the role

This role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. As the lead Reliability Engineer supporting spacecraft development during the formulation phase, you will establish reliability frameworks, influence design decisions, and ensure mission success criteria are met from concept through preliminary design. You will work cross-functionally with systems engineers, mission designers, and subsystem leads to embed reliability best practices at the earliest stages of spacecraft development. You will collaborate with program engineers to design and verify reliable space systems for the Blue National Security Business Unit in the Blue Ring satellite product line.

Responsibilities

• Perform reliability predictions on mechanical and electrical components
• Lead reliability analyses during concept definition and formulation phases, including:
  • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA / FMECA)
  • Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
  • Reliability Block Diagrams (RBD)
  • Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA)
• Define reliability requirements and allocate reliability budgets across spacecraft subsystems
• Develop and maintain the Reliability Program Plan in alignment with program milestones (SRR, SDR, PDR)
• Assess component- and system-level reliability using quantitative methods; maintain reliability predictions using standards such as MIL-HDBK-217, NPRD, or equivalent
• Collaborate with systems engineers to perform trades studies that balance reliability, mass, cost, and schedule
• Identify and drive mitigation strategies for single-point failures and critical failure modes
• Support development of test strategies and verification approaches to demonstrate reliability requirements
• Contribute to risk registers and support program-level risk management activities
• Interface with suppliers and component engineers to assess part-level reliability and selection

Requirements

• B.S. degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering or other major requiring engineering or mathematical core courses
• 5+ years working in a reliability role in a design, integration, or operational environment
• Proven experience with reliability/life test design (failure modes discovery, life demonstration, and screening)
• Experience with FMEA, FTA, and reliability modeling tools
• Familiarity with spacecraft development process and lifecycle phases
• Experience with failure rate prediction for electrical components and circuit card assemblies (e.g., MIL-HDBK-217F, 217Plus, or similar)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly to differing audiences
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in early-phase / formulation spacecraft or satellite programs
• Familiarity with NASA or DoD reliability standards (e.g., MIL-STD-1629, NASA-STD-8729, ECSS-Q-ST-30)
• Experience with probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) or Monte Carlo methods
• Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) designation from ASQ
• Knowledge of space environments and their effects on component reliability (radiation, thermal cycling, vacuum)
• Experience working in an Agile or Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment
• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline
• Active US Government Top Secret/SCI clearance

Pay

• CA applicants: $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
• CO applicants: $110,938.00 - $155,312.85
• WA applicants: $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
• VA applicants: $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
• Other site ranges may differ

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Short and long-term disability
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for additional benefits and bonuses