The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
In Houston, the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for a Command and Data Handling (C&DH) Hardware Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) to support the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program (EHP) in the development, integration, and performance assurance of and across C&DH systems. In this role you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center with systems engineering and integration services and work with the NASA C&DH Branch to identify, analyze, negotiate, document, track, maintain and update Level 2 lunar surface requirements in support of all Artemis missions. You will be responsible for documenting system level C&DH architecture, reviewing V&V test plans and reports, and buying off subsystem requirements for all lunar surface vehicles, such as rovers and landing craft.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX.
What You’ll Be Doing
Conceive, analyze, develop, install, test, modify, and use avionic systems for both flight and ground applications. This work is concerned with the hardware and software elements required for avionic systems, including system components, component/system interfaces, operating systems, and applications software.
Requirements development, requirements integration, Design Development Test and Evaluation (DDT&E) activities and trade space evaluations
Activities within and across all EHP Surface System Architectures
Verification development and requirements closure with Requirements, Interfaces & Verification (RIV) Team
Inputs to and support of EHP Integrated Analysis Cycles (EHACs) via:
Requirements Gap Assessment, Technical Baseline Revisions (including TBX Closure), GRAs Updates and SRR/SDR Action Item Closure
Inputs to closure efforts for identified EHP Risks
Provide support to cross-discipline risks requiring input to mitigating steps or C&DH supporting analyses
Support for EHP Program Synch Review (PSRs) and Project Milestones
Maintain productive working relationships with cross-program technical teams, including engineering, safety, flight operations, crew office, and module providers
Present to appropriate boards, panels, or technical/status meetings as needed
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer - Systems Engineering:
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
6+ years of experience with command and control hardware systems, including design and testing tools
Expertise in avionic system safety, Computer-Base Control Systems (CBCS), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and fault tolerance analysis
Familiarity with avionics hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols
Working knowledge of NASA standard practices and requirements
Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures
Willing to travel domestically as needed
In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering include:
10+ years of total experience in avionics hardware systems
Experience developing and briefing decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner
Experience working on space station or spacecraft C&DH systems
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering or closely related field desired
Knowledge of complex Time-Triggered Ethernet (TTE) Avionic Systems Integration and Test & Verification (T&V)
Experience with spacecraft command and control systems in both a testing and operational scenario
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$117,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: AnnualLeadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
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
We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.