Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Systems Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Systems Engineer (Project Engineer – Systems Engineering) to support NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program within the Commercialization, Innovation, and Synergies (CIS) Office at NASA Headquarters. This role involves providing independent systems engineering, architecture analysis, acquisition support, and strategic technical guidance across SCaN commercialization campaigns, early-phase studies, and stakeholder integration activities. The engineer will collaborate directly with NASA civil servants, industry partners, and international stakeholders to shape future communications and navigation architectures for lunar, cislunar, and deep space missions. This is a high-visibility position supporting a Task Order at NASA Headquarters, requiring strong technical judgment, clear communication, and adaptability in a dynamic, mission-focused environment. The selected candidate will work full-time, on-site at Goddard Spaceflight Center, Greenbelt, MD.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
- 6 or more years of professional experience in systems engineering, space communications, navigation systems, mission operations, or related technical fields.
- Experience supporting NASA, DoD, or comparable government space or communications programs.
- Demonstrated application of systems engineering processes across the lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, trade studies, and technical evaluations.
- Prior involvement in NASA, government, or FFRDC-supported programs related to SCaN, space communications, navigation, or exploration architectures.
- Demonstrated technical leadership in architecture trades, acquisition support, or complex systems engineering efforts.
- Experience working with commercial partners, international collaborators, or cross-agency stakeholders.
- Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts and recommendations to senior technical and programmatic leadership.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and with diverse stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel occasionally (approximately 10–20%).
- 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
- Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant technical discipline.
- Experience with lunar, cislunar, or deep space communications and navigation architectures.
- Familiarity with SCaN networks (e.g., DSN, Near Space Network, commercial services).
- Experience supporting BAAs, AoAs, RFIs, or other early-phase acquisition and architecture studies.
- Background in system-of-systems architectures, commercial space services, or industrial base analysis.
- Experience preparing executive-level briefings and decision support products.
Responsibilities
- Provide systems engineering and technical integration support for SCaN commercialization and innovation initiatives.
- Support formulation and execution of research and acquisition campaigns, including Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Analyses of Alternatives (AoAs), and Requests for Information (RFIs).
- Conduct architecture assessments, trade studies, and technical evaluations for space communications and navigation systems.
- Evaluate candidate network architectures, system-of-systems concepts, and commercial service models supporting lunar, cislunar, and deep space missions.
- Support development and assessment of requirements, standards, and technical recommendations across the SCaN enterprise.
- Provide technical oversight of industry studies, demonstrations, and campaign deliverables.
- Support industrial base assessments, market research, and engagement with commercial and international partners.
- Prepare technical briefings, decision packages, and campaign summaries for SCaN and NASA leadership.
- Support stakeholder engagement activities, working groups, workshops, and interagency coordination.
- Assist with programmatic metrics, performance tracking, and preparation of monthly status reports.
- Deliver independent, risk-informed technical advice to support NASA leadership decision-making.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
