Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Oversight Software Engineer P2 – Space Systems

About the role

Join our dynamic team as a Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Oversight Software Engineer and become a vital contributor to support NASA as an Oceaneering Teammate on the JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract. This role places you in the On-Orbit GN&C and Flight Mechanics section in the Engineering Department on the NASA JSC Engineering, Technology and Science II (JETS II) Contract, working on human spaceflight and deep space exploration programs. You will ensure services meet and exceed standards while collaborating with a passionate team dedicated to excellence. Ideal candidates thrive in diverse environments, communicate effectively at all organizational levels, and possess a strong commitment to quality and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight, program integration, and certification of ISS visiting vehicle Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) systems in support of missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
• Certify GN&C system requirements compliance through review of analysis and test reports, including assessment of sensor performance, trajectory dispersions, and other GN&C parameters.
• Certify fault tolerance safety requirements compliance through review of GN&C related hazard reports and associated verification evidence, including communicating issues to a Safety Review Panel.
• Identify and recommend solutions to GN&C/RPO performance issues.
• Communicate status of compliance reviews to ISS program management.
• Conduct performance assessments on visiting vehicle GN&C data for Program compliance.
• Review Monte Carlo trajectory analyses using independent 6 degrees-of-freedom simulations.
• Provide input to operational products, such as flight rules and on-orbit demonstration plans.
• Provide visiting vehicle’s GN&C mission console support during real-time ground monitoring.
• Maintain relationships with a diverse technical team, including personnel from engineering, safety, flight operations, crew office, and visiting vehicle providers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited engineering school.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the field or related area.
• Experience with orbital mechanics and GN&C principles.
• Understanding of orbit, entry, descent, landing GN&C principles.
• Knowledge in the development of GN&C algorithms and spacecraft system analysis.
• Experience with design, verification, testing, and operation of GN&C hardware and software.
• Experience with LINUX, Python, and C/C++.
• Experience with the development of space system requirements and documents.
• Strong interpersonal skills to enable successful performance on a collaborative engineering team.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and schedules with limited supervision.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment consisting of NASA civil servants and contractor employees.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.

Qualifications

• MS in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on GN&C, flight controls, and orbital mechanics.
• Experience with spacecraft rendezvous, proximity operations, and capture/docking.
• Familiarity with spacecraft docking systems.
• Working knowledge of NASA, JSC, and ISS standard practices and requirements (including safety).
• Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures.
• Familiarity with NASA/JSC documentation databases and SharePoint sites.
• Experience with MATLAB and Simulink toolboxes.
• Experience with the NASA Trick simulation architecture and JEOD (JSC Engineering Orbital Dynamics).
• Experience with Git/GitLab version control.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position. Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.