Human Spaceflight Systems Engineer

About the role

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Human Spaceflight Systems Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) to support various NASA programs. This position will serve in the program office and be a connector across exploration topics for moonbase, nuclear, science, and Artemis transportation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Serve in the program office and be a connector across exploration topics for moonbase, nuclear, science, and Artemis transportation initiatives
• Define operational technical requirements for the various programs
• Perform assessments, readiness evaluations
• Collaborate with NASA mission architects/designers and program experts across government and industry
• Review contractor deliverables and NASA requirements to ensure compliance and system effectiveness to support operational needs
• Contribute to standards development and documentation supporting exploration operations, in addition to management of key program plans/products
• Support facility and infrastructure related topics and planning
• Participate in technical, safety, and integration of working groups
• Develop technical and progress reports to support internal teams and external partners
• Support technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, and key design milestones
• Prepare clear, actionable reports and presentations for program offices

Requirements

• Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff- Systems Engineering:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline
• 3 years of experience in systems engineering, mission operations, or human spaceflight programs
• Proven experience in human exploration architecture, integration, and mission operations with demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks
• Strong knowledge and application of the engineering program lifecycle, including requirements development, design reviews, and verification/validation processes
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, with proven ability to influence technical decisions
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills, including the ability to express complex technical concepts to personnel at all technical and managerial levels
• Proven ability to work across diverse teams and multiple engineering disciplines, including human-in-the-loop disciplines
• Experience with systems engineering tools and methodologies (e.g., model-based systems engineering, requirements management tools)
• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering technical products and meeting program milestones
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site, domestically and internationally, approximately 10-25%
• Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer- Systems Engineering:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline (Master's degree preferred)
• 6 years of experience in systems engineering, mission operations, or human spaceflight programs
• Demonstrated technical leadership with proven ability to lead complex technical efforts, manage cross-functional teams, and drive technical strategy across multiple programs
• Expert-level knowledge of the engineering program lifecycle with experience leading all phases from concept through operations
• Proven ability to make final technical recommendations, manage technical baselines, and represent the organization in high-level technical forums with NASA, industry partners, and international stakeholders
• Advanced proficiency with systems engineering tools and digital engineering methodologies

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications for the Senior Member of Technical Staff- Systems Engineering:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline
• 3 years of experience in systems engineering, mission operations, or human spaceflight programs
• Proven experience in human exploration architecture, integration, and mission operations with demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks
• Strong knowledge and application of the engineering program lifecycle, including requirements development, design reviews, and verification/validation processes
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, with proven ability to influence technical decisions
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills, including the ability to express complex technical concepts to personnel at all technical and managerial levels
• Proven ability to work across diverse teams and multiple engineering disciplines, including human-in-the-loop disciplines
• Experience with systems engineering tools and methodologies (e.g., model-based systems engineering, requirements management tools)
• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering technical products and meeting program milestones
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site, domestically and internationally, approximately 10-25%
• Minimum Qualifications for the Project Engineer- Systems Engineering:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline (Master's degree preferred)
• 6 years of experience in systems engineering, mission operations, or human spaceflight programs
• Demonstrated technical leadership with proven ability to lead complex technical efforts, manage cross-functional teams, and drive technical strategy across multiple programs
• Expert-level knowledge of the engineering program lifecycle with experience leading all phases from concept through operations
• Proven ability to make final technical recommendations, manage technical baselines, and represent the organization in high-level technical forums with NASA, industry partners, and international stakeholders
• Advanced proficiency with systems engineering tools and digital engineering methodologies

Skills

• Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP), Professional Engineer (PE), or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Direct experience with Artemis, Gateway, ISS, or other lunar/deep space exploration programs
• Published technical papers, patents, or contributions to industry standards in aerospace or systems engineering
• Experience with Agile systems engineering or other modern development methodologies

Benefits

Competitive compensation package, including a wide range of benefits such as comprehensive health care and wellness plans, paid holidays, sick time, and vacation, standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options, a 401(k) plan, flexible spending accounts, variable pay program for exceptional contributions, relocation assistance, professional growth and development programs, and an inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.