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 Life Support Systems Hardware Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) to support the Life Support Systems Branch in the development, integration, and performance assurance of and across life support systems. In this role you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center with systems engineering and integration services and work with the NASA Life Support Systems Branch in the development of new life support systems, supporting deployed life support systems through the analysis of on-orbit data, troubleshooting issues, and on-ground testing, as needed. When required, you will also provide operational Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) support during missions on the International Space Station or Artemis missions. You will be responsible for documenting system level ECLSS architecture, leading system trade studies, reviewing V&V test plans and reports, and buying off subsystem requirements for all human-rated spacecraft, such as lunar habitats, 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
Serve as a technical specialist in life support systems engineering, including requirements development, technical resource management, engineering data management, interface definition, engineering planning and design integration.
Example ECLSS topics are listed below:
Atmospheric Management (Pressure control, temp. control, air revitalization, contaminant Mgmt)
Waste management
Emergency Response
Water Management (distribution and storage, contaminant Mgmt)
Environmental Monitoring
System upgrade support
Design review support for various NASA Programs (Artemis, Orion, Gateway, ISS)
Knowledge of space flight certification processes to ensure performance and safety requirements are met (including knowledge of NPR 7120, EA-WI-023, or equivalent processes)
Ability to engage on ECLSS trade studies and analysis
Coordinate ECLSS requirements and technical objectives with subject matter experts and collaborators
Prepare and present decision packages and change requests for program forums
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:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or closely related engineering discipline
10+ years of 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 ECLSS hardware
Experience in system safety, Computer-Base Control Systems (CBCS), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and fault tolerance analysis
Familiarity with aerospace hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols
Working knowledge of NASA standard practices and requirements
Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures
Proven expertise in managing multiple concurrent tasks and excellent problem-solving skills
Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills, including development of and briefing of decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner
Willing to travel domestically as needed
Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required
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 Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or closely related field
Experience in one of the aforementioned areas of ECLSS
Knowledge of NASA program life cycle
Experience performing in or leading technical and programmatic tasks for NASA
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)
$151,300.00 - $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.