AST - Aerospace Flight Systems (Direct-Hire)

About the role

As an Aerospace Flight Systems Engineer in the Engineering Branch of the Aircraft Operations Division, you will provide engineering technical data for the repair, modification, or integration of payloads on Johnson Space Center’s fleet of aircraft, including the T‑38N, GV, Super Guppy, WB‑57F, and TH‑57B. Tasks include generating and reviewing drawings, analyses, and designs that meet airworthiness standards required for safe flight.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, evaluate, research, operate, maintain, remodel, and decommission aircraft and/or spacecraft.
• Work alongside contract aerospace engineers to incorporate new technologies, improve reliability, extend vehicle life, or reduce total ownership costs.
• Conduct specialized studies on flight vehicles—covering major system components and airborne equipment—to ensure safety, suitability, and operational effectiveness.
• Generate and apply theories, principles, practical concepts, processes, and systems related to engineering design, adhering to standards, codes, techniques, and aviation‑technology practices.

Requirements

Conditions of employment: Open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the United States. May require a one‑year probationary/trial period as determined by Title 5 CFR Part 11. Position is subject to pre‑employment background investigation or higher‑level clearance; additional investigations, financial disclosure, drug testing, and travel requirements may apply based on duty location.

Qualifications: To qualify for the GS‑13 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑12 level, including:

• Developing and integrating flight‑vehicle systems and elements, resolving issues related to performance, configuration, component definition, operational capabilities, reliability, and safety.
• Analyzing, testing, evaluating, validating, and certifying flight hardware, software, and system capabilities against design, operational, and safety requirements.
• Integrating unique systems, customer products, and project/program elements to satisfy vehicle design and operational requirements.

Your resume must contain a clear, original narrative describing how you meet these experience requirements.

Education: Must have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the following:

• Engineering (from an ABET‑accredited program)
• Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science, or other Science field
• Computer Science with at least 30 semester (or 45 quarter) hours of coursework in mathematics, statistics, and computer science, with at least half in mathematics and statistics (including differential and integral calculus) and covering theoretical and practical computer‑science applications.

If you lack a qualifying bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree in an AST‑qualifying field or a combination of exceptional relevant experience and education may be considered. Engineering degrees earned abroad must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA); science degrees earned abroad must be evaluated by a private credential‑evaluation organization and deemed equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make a federal career rewarding. Eligibility for specific benefits depends on the type of position (full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent) and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.