Life Support Systems Hardware Engineer

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 segments 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. The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. In Houston, the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for a Life Support Systems Hardware Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) to support the Life Support Systems Branch in the development, integration, and performance assurance of and across life support systems. In this role you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center with systems engineering and integration services and work with the NASA Life Support Systems Branch in the development of new life support systems, supporting deployed life support systems through the analysis of on-orbit data, troubleshooting issues, and on-ground testing, as needed. When required, you will also provide operational Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) support during missions on the International Space Station or Artemis missions. You will be responsible for documenting system level ECLSS architecture, leading system trade studies, reviewing V&V test plans and reports, and buying off subsystem requirements for all human-rated spacecraft, such as lunar habitats, rovers and landing craft. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or closely related engineering discipline
10+ years of experience in avionics hardware systems
Experience developing and briefing decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner
Experience working on space station or spacecraft ECLSS hardware
Experience in system safety, Computer-Base Control Systems (CBCS), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and fault tolerance analysis
Familiarity with aerospace hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols
Working knowledge of NASA standard practices and requirements
Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures
Proven expertise in managing multiple concurrent tasks and excellent problem-solving skills
Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills, including development of and briefing of decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner
Willing to travel domestically as needed
Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
US citizenship is required

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or closely related field
Experience in one of the aforementioned areas of ECLSS
Knowledge of NASA program life cycle
Experience performing in or leading technical and programmatic tasks for NASA

Responsibilities

Serve as a technical specialist in life support systems engineering, including requirements development, technical resource management, engineering data management, interface definition, engineering planning and design integration.
Support the NASA Johnson Space Center with systems engineering and integration services.
Work with the NASA Life Support Systems Branch in the development of new life support systems.
Support deployed life support systems through the analysis of on-orbit data, troubleshooting issues, and on-ground testing, as needed.
Provide operational Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) support during missions on the International Space Station or Artemis missions.
Document system level ECLSS architecture.
Lead system trade studies.
Review V&V test plans and reports.
Buy off subsystem requirements for all human-rated spacecraft, such as lunar habitats, rovers and landing craft.
Coordinate ECLSS requirements and technical objectives with subject matter experts and collaborators.
Prepare and present decision packages and change requests for program forums.
Maintain productive working relationships with cross-program technical teams, including engineering, safety, flight operations, crew office, and module providers.
Present to appropriate boards, panels, or technical/status meetings as needed.

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