Human Spaceflight Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Merritt Island, FL

1d•$100,300 - $150,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation, a trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, is seeking a Human Spaceflight Systems Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/ Project Engineer- Systems Engineering). This role supports various NASA programs, focusing on integrating activities and serving in program office roles. The position involves developing, analyzing, integrating, and implementing human spaceflight architectures, mission plans, operational activities, and spacecraft/surface system definitions. The engineer will coordinate and collaborate across Artemis transportation and Moonbase initiatives to address inflight, orbital, and surface operations. The selected candidate will work full-time on-site at facilities in Houston, TX, Colorado Springs, CO, Merritt Island, FL, or El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline
3 years of experience in systems engineering, mission operations, or human spaceflight programs (for Senior Member of Technical Staff)
6 years of experience in systems engineering, mission operations, or human spaceflight programs (for Project Engineer)
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%
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Demonstrated technical leadership with proven ability to lead complex technical efforts, manage cross-functional teams, and drive technical strategy across multiple programs (for Project Engineer)
Expert-level knowledge of the engineering program lifecycle with experience leading all phases from concept through operations (for Project Engineer)
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 (for Project Engineer)
Experience managing technical performance metrics, identifying programmatic risks, and developing mitigation strategies (for Project Engineer)
Advanced proficiency with systems engineering tools and digital engineering methodologies (for Project Engineer)

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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

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