Operations Engineer - NASA AFRC (Part-time)

AMERICAN SYSTEMS • Edwards, CA

80d • $91,600 - $153,000

About The Position

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training. The part-time Operations Engineer will play a critical role in supporting research and development activities at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC). This position requires leadership capabilities to perform a full spectrum of Engineering duties and requires thorough understanding of Engineering principles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in STEM; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years' experience working in the Aerospace field.
• Able to work a 9/80 WORK SCHEDULE (alternating Fridays off) with core hours between 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Ability to work onsite daily is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with NASA projects or similar aerospace organizations.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage system requirements, risk, and integration strategies.
• Support aircraft operations, modifications, maintenance planning, and troubleshooting.
• Serve as operational engineer for AFRC manned/unmanned projects, including development of autonomous aircraft technologies and flight vehicle integration procedures across NASA and partner organizations.
• Maintain aircraft configuration management (manuals, directives, TCTOs, Airworthiness Directives, Maintenance Directives).
• Prepare and manage Certificates of Authorization (COAs).
• Lead and support flight test planning, including test card development.
• Participate in and lead Operations, Mission Rule, and Systems Safety Working Groups.
• Develop procedures for assembly, installation, and integration of scientific instruments into NASA aircraft.
• Analyze project objectives, develop execution plans, and support safety reviews, including hazard documentation, FMEA, and mitigation planning.
• Review project instructions to confirm requirements, specifications, and objectives; recommend solutions to technical issues.
• Conduct and oversee system/component tests and research studies for performance improvements, development, and quality control.
• Record and analyze test procedures, results, and data; provide recommendations.
• Serve as technical lead and mentor for engineering teams and junior engineers.
• Drive research and development initiatives supporting NASA aerospace advancements.
• Lead Tech Briefs, risk assessments, and strategic planning for flight test programs.
• Represent the Ops Engineering branch in pre-mission deployments.
• Mentor engineers in technical specialties, systems engineering, and project management.

Benefits

• Healthcare benefits
• Paid leave
• Retirement plans
• Insurance programs
• Education and training assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees