VIPER Systems Engineer

KBR•Mountain View, CA

About The Position

The VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) Mission Systems Engineering (MSE) team supports the end-to-end integration, verification, and operational readiness of a robotic lunar rover operating in the extreme environment of the Moon’s South Pole. The team works closely with internal NASA stakeholders, commercial partners, and mission operations to ensure successful delivery of mission capabilities from design through surface operations. This role contributes directly to the integration of VIPER with the MK1 lander and to the development of mission-level fault management and anomaly response capabilities. Role Description: This position serves within the VIPER Mission Systems Engineering team with two primary areas of responsibility: Lander Integration (Systems Engineering) Support the integration of VIPER onto the MK1 lander in coordination with the Lunar Services Lead (Tom Luzod). Lead mission systems engineering activities for this integration effort, including interface definition, requirement verification, and cross-system coordination. Work across multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, thermal, software, mission analysis) to ensure consistency and closure of integration products. Support test planning and execution for integrated system verification. Fault Management and Anomaly Response Work closely with the Fault Manager and Anomaly Response Lead to develop and mature fault management products and system-level fault models. Take ownership of multiple subsystems and coordinate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to define fault detection, isolation, and response strategies. Translate fault management products into operationally usable anomaly response procedures in collaboration with Mission Operations. Support validation of fault scenarios through analysis, simulation, and testing.

Requirements

Strong engineering background with experience in space systems and robotics systems
Solid understanding of systems engineering principles, including integration and test
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, including with challenging stakeholders
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple parallel efforts
High attention to detail and strong ownership mindset
Ability to work independently and drive tasks to completion
Ability to operate effectively under uncertainty and evolving requirements
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Experience with lunar systems or operations in extreme environments
Experience with mission operations, ConOps development, or procedure development
Experience working with commercial partners or in integrated NASA–industry teams
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Systems Engineering, or a related field
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in space systems, robotics, or complex system development
Experience in systems engineering roles involving integration, verification, or operations is strongly preferred
Prior experience with NASA programs or similar large-scale aerospace projects

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the VIPER mission, architecture, or similar planetary rover systems
Experience with fault management, FDIR (Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery), or anomaly response
Familiarity with MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo) and system modeling approaches
Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Support the integration of VIPER onto the MK1 lander in coordination with the Lunar Services Lead (Tom Luzod).
Lead mission systems engineering activities for this integration effort, including interface definition, requirement verification, and cross-system coordination.
Work across multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, thermal, software, mission analysis) to ensure consistency and closure of integration products.
Support test planning and execution for integrated system verification.
Work closely with the Fault Manager and Anomaly Response Lead to develop and mature fault management products and system-level fault models.
Take ownership of multiple subsystems and coordinate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to define fault detection, isolation, and response strategies.
Translate fault management products into operationally usable anomaly response procedures in collaboration with Mission Operations.
Support validation of fault scenarios through analysis, simulation, and testing.