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 position is part of the Power and Propulsion Projects section in the Engineering Department and contributes to human spaceflight and deep-space exploration programs. The engineer applies foundational engineering principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems, supporting design, analysis, testing, hardware integration, and technical documentation. The work combines analytical and hands-on activities and may include laboratory, cleanroom-like, test, integration, and operational environments. The role involves collaborating with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractor organizations. Assignments may shift among branches as organizational priorities change. International travel may be required, and travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations may be needed. A 9/80 schedule may be available, and straight-time overtime may be possible. The position may be hired at any level in the professional career framework, depending on business needs.

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, verbally and in writing.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, 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.
Must be able 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 selecting 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.