SR PROJECT STAFF ENGINEER

Aerodyne Industries • Greenbelt, MD

1d • $225,000 - $300,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Aerodyne Industries is seeking a Senior Project Staff Engineer to join their team supporting the Habitable Worlds Observatory project at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. In this role, you will provide engineering services for the branches within the Mechanical Systems Division of the GSFC Applied Engineering and Technology Directorate (AETD) as well as for many flight projects. The position includes lead/mentor and individual contributor functions in support of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) project.

Requirements

• Minimum 30 years of progressive, highly specialized experience in active and adaptive optics research, wavefront science, and telescope performance optimization.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience and past success in the alignment, phasing, and commissioning of large-scale segmented telescopes.
• Proven track record of pioneering optical technologies and successfully leading complex optical testbeds to achieve TRL-6 or higher for space applications.
• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in engineering or related field.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment and communicate effectively with colleagues (written and oral).

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree/s preferred

Responsibilities

• Contribute to Wavefront Sensing & Control Strategies: Perform conceptual design, development, and implementation of wavefront sensing capabilities, algorithms, and processes required to align and phase highly complex, segmented space telescopes; this includes modeling and simulation for end-to-end phasing simulations and integrated modeling to optimize telescope performance and establish robust alignment procedures prior to launch.
• Algorithm & Software Development: Design, develop, and test advanced algorithms, phase retrieval tools, and phase diversity solutions for optical alignment and end-to-end system characterization for a large space telescope with segmented primary mirror.
• Testbed & Rapid Prototyping: Serve as a Principal Investigator or technical lead for sub-scale optical models and testbeds; oversee the maturation of critical optical technologies, demonstrating and achieving advanced Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) in flight-like environments.
• Lead the cross-functional commissioning team in the critical alignment and phasing of the large space telescope with segmented primary mirror.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior