2026 Human Space Mission Architech

The Aerospace Corporation•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Human Space Mission Architect – Senior Member of the Technical Staff The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects. The Architecture Concepts Department (ArCon) provides expertise in architecture methods, processes, and tools to an extremely broad range of customers, including National Space Security (NSS) and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, DHS, and others. ArCon staff participate in and lead architecture trade studies, architecture conceptualization studies, architecture modeling tasks, and program assessment analyses at multiple levels of complexity, ranging from prototype systems to full scale acquisition systems in the space, ground, communications, and network domains. ArCon applies disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams to provide impactful guidance to assist our customers in making key acquisition and operations decisions.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
0 – 1 year of industry experience
Project/school experience in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, concept design, and/or model-based systems engineering
Demonstrated interest in human spaceflight systems, missions, and architectures through coursework, projects, research, or personal study
Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse set of collaborators
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications
Ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge through self-study and proactive engagement with mentors and subject matter experts
Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 5-10%
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Transcripts required for this position

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products
Experience with space system architecture conceptual design, analysis, and concurrent engineering techniques
Experience with spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, nuclear weapon systems, and/or aircraft systems
Background in human factors research, human systems integration, crew operations, life support systems, or habitability analysis relevant to human spaceflight
Relevant work and/or graduate school experience in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, model-based systems engineering, or digital engineering
Hands-on experience with system or enterprise modeling in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM)
Knowledge of human spaceflight programs, mission architectures, and operational concepts for NASA, commercial space, or DoD human spaceflight activities
Current active TS/SCI security clearance

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in architecture studies of human spaceflight system concepts, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, supporting problem framing, gap analysis, and trade space assessment
Work with Aerospace program office, NASA customer, and contractor personnel as a technical subject matter focal to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies; mentor junior staff; support the scoping, planning, and execution of studies; and effectively communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports
Collaborate with other Aerospace personnel to marshal technical expertise in multiple technical disciplines and domains to enable concurrent engineering approaches to address complex problems

Benefits

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