Moonbase Test and Evaluation Facility Senior Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Houston, TX

58d•$151,300 - $226,900•Hybrid

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 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. Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. We are looking for a Moonbase Test and Evaluation Facility Senior Engineer (Senior Project Engineer- Technical Project Management). This position will support the Moonbase Program by managing test and evaluation facilities and capabilities for various efforts across Moonbase with key responsibilities associated with managing our Aerospace Corporations footprint at the Texas A&M Space Institute for NASA. This is a full-time position located at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas with an onsite work model that combines 4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as business needs allow.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree or in engineering, science, or another STEM degree
10 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience managing facilities and ensuring safety
Experience leading partnership establishment with US government and engaging senior leaders and facilitating visits and engagements
Knowledge and understanding of the NASA program life cycle and associated milestone reviews and coordinating across teams to drive operations outcomes
Expansive experience leading and developing NASA Human In The Loop Testing systems and protocols
Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts and recommendations to personnel at all technical and managerial levels
Demonstrated initiative and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Excellent presentation and communications skills, including development of and briefing of decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner
Experience working across diverse teams and multiple engineering disciplines, including human in loop disciplines
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering, science, or another STEM discipline
Experience with NASA mission operations processes and teams
Background in designing and developing human based operations
Demonstrated success leading or executing technical and programmatic tasks for NASA missions
Experience coordinating with international partners and commercial vendors

Responsibilities

Provide and manage regular access to a large-scale, indoor, climate-controlled testing and training facility designed to replicate the lunar surface environment
Ensure facility readiness for integrated testing of Moon Base-owned and operated systems
Coordinate with facility management, stakeholders, customers, and NASA personnel to maintain operational availability
Support facility maintenance, upkeep, and continuous operational readiness
Work closely with NASA Moonbase Mission & Systems Interoperability office to execute the needs of their test and evaluation plans
Ensure the facility is meeting the needs of Moonbase M&SI as well as the needs of associated stakeholders and customer teams
Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations, NASA requirements, and OSHA standards
Maintain a safe working environment for crew, test subjects, and support staff during all facility operations
Develop, implement, and enforce safety protocols specific to pressurized suit operations, robotic systems, and large-scale vehicle operations
Conduct regular safety briefings and ensure all personnel are trained on facility-specific hazards and emergency procedures
Monitor and mitigate risks associated with lunar simulation activities, including dust exposure, suited operations, and heavy equipment use
Maintain emergency response plans and coordinate with safety personnel for incident prevention
Accommodate realistic testing of pressurized EVA suits, rovers, landers, habitats, robotic systems, and operational procedures in representative lunar terrain
Facilitate integrated Verification & Validation (V&V) and asset V&V by providing NASA-managed test capabilities
Plan and prioritize testing through development and maintenance of test schedules.
Coordinate test opportunities across stakeholder communities and ensure facility needs will meet test requirements
Ensure and help lead preparations for pressurized suit operations, surface mobility and rover operations, and integrated mission simulations
Provide leadership and coordination for test and facility readiness reviews, safety reviews, inspections, audits, and certification activities
Manage test preparation and reporting activities (pre and post)
Provide appropriate facilities and infrastructure to support suited and robotic testing
Provide, manage, and operate Moon Base facility vehicles, tractors, trailers, attachments, and other equipment required for testing and facility sustainment
Oversee procurement, inventory, storage, and maintenance of facility equipment, tools, and consumable materials
Ensure all equipment meets safety standards and operational requirements

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