Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer P1 – Space Systems

Oceaneering•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer supports NASA as an Oceaneering teammate on the JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science II (JETS II) contract. The role is part of the Power and Propulsion Projects section in the Engineering Department and contributes to human spaceflight and deep-space exploration programs. The position may be hired at any level in the professional career framework, depending on business needs at the time of hire. The engineer applies foundational engineering principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems, supporting design, analysis, hardware integration, testing, verification, and operational activities. The role involves both analytical and hands-on work and coordination with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractor organizations. International travel may be required. Possible straight-time overtime and a 9/80 work schedule, with every other Friday off, are noted. The work is generally in an office environment but may involve indoor or outdoor work depending on the task. Work may require sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time) and lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds (5% of the time). Standard office equipment is used. Regular attendance is critical, and the employee may need to work outside the normal schedule and adjust hours to meet peak periods and surge requirements. U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency is required, as is the ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering with experience in the field or in a related area.
Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
Foundational knowledge of mechanical systems and engineering materials.
Ability to apply engineering principles to technical problems.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, requirements, test procedures, and engineering data.
Familiarity with engineering analysis, programming, or data-processing tools.
Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and verbally.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and collaborative teams.
Willingness to participate in analytical and hands-on engineering activities.
Ability to learn unfamiliar systems, software tools, and engineering processes.
Willingness to move among branch assignments as organizational priorities change.
Ability to work safely and maintain technical discipline in laboratory, test, integration, and operational environments.
Ability and willingness to travel when required by the assignment.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency.
Ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Academic, internship, research, or professional experience involving propulsion, fluid systems, pressure systems, thermal systems, or spacecraft hardware.
Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or comparable analysis tools.
Familiarity with CAD software, including Creo or a comparable platform.
Experience collecting, processing, reducing, or interpreting test data.
Experience with laboratory testing, hardware assembly, or prototype development.
Familiarity with valves, regulators, tanks, filters, sensors, pressure vessels, or fluid-system components.
Familiarity with aerospace materials, manufacturing, and fabrication methods.
Exposure to acceptance, qualification, thermal-vacuum, vibration, or other environmental testing.
Familiarity with requirements verification, hazard analysis, configuration management, or flight-hardware certification.
Interest in human spaceflight, small-spacecraft development, or spacecraft mission operations.

Responsibilities

Apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine-design principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems.
Support the design and analysis of propulsion-system components and assemblies.
Perform or review fluid-flow, pressure-system, thermodynamic, and thermal analyses.
Develop models, calculations, and data-analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering software.
Develop or review engineering drawings and three-dimensional models using CAD software.
Support system architecture studies and technical trade assessments.
Assist with the selection of materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly processes.
Participate in propulsion-hardware assembly and integration, including work in laboratory or cleanroom-like environments.
Support component- and system-level test planning, execution, and data analysis.
Assist with acceptance, qualification, environmental, and space-representative testing.
Review test data, technical reports, drawings, requirements, and verification documents.
Help investigate hardware anomalies, nonconformances, and unexpected test results.
Support the preparation and closure of action items, variances, hazard reports, change documentation, and other certification products.
Assess how component designs, changes, or anomalies may affect the propulsion system or spacecraft.
Support compliance with pressure-system safety, hardware cleanliness, and contamination-control requirements.
Assist with propulsion-system integration into spacecraft or test vehicles.
Participate in mission simulations, vehicle checkouts, console activities, or flight operations as assigned.
Coordinate technical work with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractor organizations.
Prepare and present technical status updates, analyses, and recommendations.
Travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations when required.
Perform other duties as required.