Strategic Program Integrator

The Aerospace Corporation•Houston, TX

8d•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. 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 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. Within CSG, the Human Spaceflight Programs (HSF) Division provides comprehensive support to NASA across all human spaceflight operations and program office activities. We are seeking a Strategic Program Integrator (Project Engineer/Leader – Systems Engineering) to drive mission success through excellence in strategic planning, configuration/data management, systems engineering, and program execution. This position serves as a critical partner to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate Earth Sciences leadership and SMD Program Executives, ensuring science missions advance on schedule while maintaining the highest standards of Systems Engineering Integration (SEI) and Configuration/Data Management (CDM). You will be the cornerstone of SMD's governance framework, enabling world-class science through disciplined processes, cutting-edge tools, and strategic oversight. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Houston, TX, Washington DC or El Segundo, CA.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer – Systems Engineering
Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or related technical field (or equivalent experience in lieu of degree)
6 or more years of applicable professional experience in program/project management within aerospace, defense, or complex technical environments
Experience performing configuration management in a multi-project environment
Proficiency coordinating and integrating CM for multiple documents in parallel
Hands-on experience with configuration management tools (SharePoint, Windchill, DOORS, PLM systems)
Experience with Document Quality Assurance (DQA) and document management functions
Minimum Requirements for Project Leader – Systems Engineering
8 or more years of applicable professional experience in program/project management within aerospace, defense, or complex technical environments
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with government and contractor personnel
Proven ability to successfully work across multiple organizations that contribute to mission success

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree in an engineering or science discipline
More than 10 years of progressively responsible professional engineering/scientific experience
Familiarity with NASA Headquarters
Strong understanding of NASA’s program lifecycle and human spaceflight systems engineering

Responsibilities

Partner directly with SMD Earth Sciences Program Leadership and SMD Program Executives to develop and execute strategic roadmaps that keep programs moving forward through complex technical and programmatic challenges
Monitor program milestones and proactively identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities for optimization across the SMD portfolio
Facilitate decision-making processes by ensuring executives have access to accurate, configuration-controlled data and documentation
Translate strategic vision into actionable execution plans with clear deliverables, accountability measures, and CDM touchpoints
Lead cross-functional planning sessions to align mission objectives with agency priorities, budget constraints, and compliance requirements
Attend and lead various SMD meetings (regularly scheduled and intermittent), review products, processes, and concepts presented against SMD scope and strategic objectives
Lead SMD configuration and data management efforts across all SMD ESD projects by providing development, evolution, and regular maintenance of requirements/documents and products throughout their SEI lifecycle
Manage and lead enhancements to the SMD Change Management Workflow (CMW) tools (SharePoint, Windchill, or similar) for conducting CDM activities, including review and distribution of Change Requests, product development, review, and approval processes, and archival and data management solutions
Establish and engage the organization on using a robust CDM framework that ensures data integrity, traceability, and accessibility across mission lifecycles from concept through operations
Provide and report performance measurements for all SMD configuration management/governance/SEI processes (monthly, quarterly metrics) at appropriate leadership venues
Serve as the SMD authority on CDM and SEI best practices, tools, and compliance requirements
Champion the adoption of cutting-edge CDM tools and methodologies across the directorate
Curate and maintain a comprehensive toolkit of best practices, templates, and resources for SMD programs
Conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure programs meet NASA standards
Build relationships with other NASA directorates to share lessons learned and innovations
Provide training and mentorship to program teams on SEI/CDM principles and emerging tools

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