Risk and Reliability Engineer – Sr. Risk and Reliability Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Develop reliable space-based systems for national security and civil space customers .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $131,400 - $240,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in risk management, reliability analysis, and system safety engineering, with a strong ability to lead technical teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Proficient in applying MIL-STD-882E principles and conducting risk assessments for national security and civil space systems.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Risk ManagementReliability AnalysisSystem Safety EngineeringMIL-STD-882E FamiliarityTeam Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Reliability TestingFailure AnalysisRoot Cause AnalysisFMEAFTAPRAFRACASStatistics ApplicationSystem Safety Engineering PrinciplesRisk Assessment

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsTeam CollaborationMentoringCustomer Relationship BuildingEffective Working Relationships

Tools & Technologies

NASA System Safety HandbookMIL-HDBK-217FMIL-STD-1629MIL-HDBK-51614 CFR Part 450

Certifications & Qualifications

Security Clearance EligibilityBachelor’s Degree in EngineeringMaster’s or Ph.D. in Engineering (Advantage)

Industry Keywords

Department of DefenseNASAUS Space ForceNROFAASpace EnterpriseNational SecurityCivil Space

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop reliable space-based systems for national security and civil space customers
Identify and mitigate hazards throughout the system lifecycle using MIL-STD-882E principles
Establish effective risk management processes and perform risk assessments
Plan and execute risk and reliability activities for Department of Defense, intelligence community, NASA, and other government customers
Provide risk, reliability, and system safety guidance and analysis for national security space and ground systems
Perform customer assessments that provide insights to senior decision-makers
Lead small teams to accomplish assignments
Serve as risk, reliability, and/or system safety subject matter expert and point of contact for several programs
Engage with other subject matter experts to deliver assessments for senior program managers
Help shape risk/reliability capabilities strategy and develop innovative approaches for new space architectures
Deliver timely assessments supporting risk-informed decisions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, reliability engineering, systems engineering, or similar from a recognized institution
10 years of experience in risk, reliability, and/or system safety for Engineering Specialist
12 years of experience in risk, reliability, or systems safety for Senior Engineering Specialist
Strong communication skills to effectively convey insights and recommendations
Demonstrated ability to work both individually and as a team member
Willingness to travel occasionally to work location or customer site approximately 10% of the time
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
Demonstrated ability to train and mentor junior staff members
Experience building customer and colleague relationships that leads to expansion or new work
Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering field is an advantage
Experience with US Space Force, NASA, NRO, FAA, and other government agencies involved in the Space Enterprise
Experience leading technical teams and managing project progress, schedules, budgets, resources, and project communications
Understanding of statistics and their application to evaluating failures and anomalies
Experience applying system safety engineering and management principles throughout the system life cycle
Expertise in reliability analysis, including software reliability, reliability testing, reliability modeling and prediction, failure analysis, root cause analysis, FMEA, FTA, PRA, and FRACAS
Hands-on STPA experience
Familiarity with MIL-STD-882E, MIL-HDBK-217F, MIL-STD-1629, MIL-HDBK-516, 14 CFR Part 450, and the NASA System Safety Handbook
Ability to lead small technical teams and communicate findings and recommendations to senior leadership on time and within budget

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect