Senior Propulsion Engineer (Casual)

The Aerospace Corporation•Center, TX

4d•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. 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; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is “We Deliver”; we work across the space enterprise and deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success. As a Senior Propulsion Engineer (MTS Level 3 - Casual) in the Propulsion Department, you will collaborate with our NASA customer and industry contractors to ensure the success of high-priority human space missions with challenging propulsion requirements. Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development, sustainment, manufacturing, testing, and operations for multiple programs. You must be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems and confidently advise customers in making critical decisions. The ideal candidate will be hired into VSD/Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) and will primarily support the Civil Systems Group program office working with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorate’s Propulsion and Power Systems Division on multiple programs. This is a casual position requiring in-person engagement with customers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. Casual positions are less than 1,000 hours per year, usually non-continuous, irregular and infrequent.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree or advanced degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline
12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience, including experience in a propulsion engineering and/or program management environment
Ability to work in a quick-paced, small core team that leads technical discussions across a large technical community and influences teams across the NASA enterprise
Demonstrated initiative and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
Excellent teaming and leadership skills with an ability to multi-task across various issues/disciplines simultaneously
Excellent presentation and communications skills, including development and briefing of decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner
This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or advanced degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline
20 or more years of increasingly responsible experience within NASA programs
Experience in human spaceflight propulsion systems
Expertise in cryogenic, hypergolic, and miniature propulsion systems through the development lifecycle.
Knowledge of NASA Program issues and concerns

Responsibilities

Support program office activities, working closely with the civil servant team in an advisory role including development, testing, and operations support
Attend various meetings and conferences, both regularly scheduled and intermittent
Serve as a highly proactive advisory specialist, understanding issues and formulating options/recommendations, while working closely teams and across other offices, working groups, and panels
Integrate with subject matter experts and stakeholders
Develop periodic status reports and presentations
Develop special reports/discussions of findings, issues, conclusions, recommendations, and risk assessments
Formulate recommendations to senior-level program management
Perform other duties for the customer as required

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
A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect