Photo: Shutterstock The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is recruiting aerospace engineers to join its Office of Commercial Space Transportation, which oversees the rapidly expanding commercial space industry.
The recruitment drive targets engineers who will help evaluate, license and monitor commercial rocket launches, spacecraft reentries and spaceport operations, while ensuring public safety and compliance with national security requirements.
The selected candidates will work directly with commercial space companies, assessing new launch technologies, reviewing engineering data and developing safety standards for emerging space operations. Their responsibilities will also include technical inspections at spaceports, trajectory modeling, hazard assessments and coordination with government agencies and private-sector applicants.
The FAA is seeking candidates with experience in areas including aerospace project management, systems integration, flight safety, orbital mechanics, aerodynamics, structural dynamics, quality assurance and operational inspections.
Applicants must meet specific engineering education or professional experience requirements. These include a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program or an equivalent combination of engineering studies and technical experience, supported by Engineer Intern, Engineer in Training or Professional Engineer registration.
The positions are open to U.S. citizens who can obtain and maintain the required Secret security clearance and pass federal drug screening. Applicants must also submit a resume of no more than two pages.
The FAA is offering several online information sessions in November and December, giving prospective applicants an opportunity to learn about the recruitment process, meet hiring managers and speak with engineers already working in the program.
The sessions are scheduled for November 10, 17 and 24, and December 1, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
The agency has published two job announcements, covering Aerospace Engineer positions at FV-G/FV-H and FV-I/FV-J levels, with applications available through the federal USAJOBS recruitment system.