Human Spaceflight Systems Engineer

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.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.

We are looking for a Human Spaceflight Systems Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/ Project Engineer- Systems Engineering). This position will support various NASA programs integrating activities and serving in various program office roles. M2M provides agency leadership for the development, analysis, integration, and implementation of human spaceflight architectures, mission plans, operational activities and spacecraft/surface system definitions. In this role, you will coordinate and collaborate across Artemis transportation and Moonbase to develop and address matters for inflight, orbital and surface operations. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in Houston, TX, Colorado Springs, CO, Merritt Island, FL, or El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve in the program office and be a connector across exploration topics for moonbase, nuclear, science and Artemis transportation initiatives  
• Define operational technical requirements for the various programs  
• Perform assessments, readiness evaluations  
• Collaborate with NASA mission architects/designers and program experts across government and industry  
• Review contractor deliverables and NASA requirements to ensure compliance and system effectiveness to support operational needs  
• Contribute to standards development and documentation supporting exploration operations, in addition to management of key program plans/products  
• Support facility and infrastructure related topics and planning   
• Participate in technical, safety, and integration of working groups   
• Develop technical and progress reports to support internal teams and external partners  
• Support technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, and key design milestones   
• Prepare clear, actionable reports and presentations for program offices 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff- Systems Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline
• 3 years of experience in systems engineering, mission operations, or human spaceflight programs
• Proven experience in human exploration architecture, integration, and mission operations with demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks
• Strong knowledge and application of the engineering program lifecycle, including requirements development, design reviews, and verification/validation processes
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, with proven ability to influence technical decisions
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills, including the ability to express complex technical concepts to personnel at all technical and managerial levels
• Proven ability to work across diverse teams and multiple engineering disciplines, including human-in-the-loop disciplines
• Experience with systems engineering tools and methodologies (e.g., model-based systems engineering, requirements management tools)
• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering technical products and meeting program milestones
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site, domestically and internationally, approximately 10-25%
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Project Engineer- Systems Engineering

include:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline (Master's degree preferred)
• 6 years of experience in systems engineering, mission operations, or human spaceflight programs
• Demonstrated technical leadership with proven ability to lead complex technical efforts, manage cross-functional teams, and drive technical strategy across multiple programs
• Expert-level knowledge of the engineering program lifecycle with experience leading all phases from concept through operations
• Proven ability to make final technical recommendations, manage technical baselines, and represent the organization in high-level technical forums with NASA, industry partners, and international stakeholders
• Experience managing technical performance metrics, identifying programmatic risks, and developing mitigation strategies
• Advanced proficiency with systems engineering tools and digital engineering methodologies

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master's degree or PhD in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline
• 5+ years of experience working directly with NASA programs, processes, and teams
• Background in designing and developing human-based operations for spaceflight missions
• Experience coordinating with international partners (e.g., ESA, JAXA, CSA) and commercial space vendors
• Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP), Professional Engineer (PE), or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Direct experience with Artemis, Gateway, ISS, or other lunar/deep space exploration programs
• Published technical papers, patents, or contributions to industry standards in aerospace or systems engineering
• Experience with Agile systems engineering or other modern development methodologies  

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)

$100,300.00 - $150,400.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership 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:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

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.