Spacecraft Mechanisms Senior 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.

Human Exploration and Spaceflight (HESF) Division in CSG is the company subject matter experts for human spaceflight.  HESF supports NASA and its bold human exploration missions from the NASA Headquarters mission directorates to the Moon to Mars office down to every Artemis Program in operation.  We also support the International Space Station (ISS), Commercial LEO Development Program, Commercial Crew Program, and Human Health and Performance.  HESF support spans from architecture and mission design to technology development, requirements and design reviews, and finally to verification, safety, and on orbit operational reviews and concurrences.

For this position, you will function as the Spacecraft Mechanisms Senior Engineer (Senior Project Engineer – Engineering Program Management & Systems Engineering) to provide mechanical system architecture and design support and project management support to cover Low Earth Orbit structures and mechanisms architecture, requirements, and prototype development.  This position will support the Mechanical Design and Analysis Branch of the Structural Engineering Directorate of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). 

Work Model

This is a 100% onsite role at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and oversee the systems engineering and integration life cycle to include hardware development, analysis, operation, hazard reviews, anomaly resolution, requirements verification, re-flight assessments, and flight acceptance testing
• Perform architectural and technical studies in support of NASA customers, with a focus on mobility mechanisms
• Provide subject matter expertise to formulation and testing teams, including oversight and coordination of project activities, meetings, and tasks (technical, cost, schedule, and risk).
• Support the assessment of engineering design concepts and architectures.
• Perform systems engineering, integration, and test activities
• Support system level trade studies, concept of operations definition, and requirements definition and verification.
• Travel as required to support various customer sites and technical conferences and meetings.

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Project Engineer - Engineering Program management & Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in electrical or mechanical engineering
• 10+ years of experience in human rated spacecraft mechanisms and structures to include operations and hardware development
• Hands-on experience in the design of spacecraft flight hardware systems to include coordination of systems and hardware interface requirements.
• Experience leading systems engineering and integration for complex spacecraft, particularly for mission-critical space applications.
• Experience in working with international partners to ensure seamless system integration and coordination
• Willingness to travel [domestically and internationally] approx. 2 times per year
• This position requires 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. 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary technical teams, guiding them through complex integration challenges, including managing international collaboration efforts.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with an ability to resolve issues related to the integration of complex structures and mechanisms.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including international teams and NASA management.
• Project Management: Experience managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure that integration milestones are met on schedule. Experience in coordinating with international teams and ensuring that integration activities meet cross-agency timelines.

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 - $226,900.00

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.