GNC Spacecraft Manual Piloting Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), relocation assistance
United States, Texas, Houston
Dec 18, 2024
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves. Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. Within the CSG, the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for a GNC Engineer with expertise in Spacecraft Manual Piloting and Crew Displays (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Technical Project Management). In this role you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center Engineering Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division (AFMD) as a Spacecraft Manual Piloting expert to support human exploration programs. The AFMD provides technical leadership in the engineering disciplines of aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics; guidance, navigation, and control flight performance; mission design; and autonomous systems. The division provides engineering design, development, testing, and evaluation for all phases of space flight (ascent, entry, orbit, and interplanetary) and for all types of human spacecraft. Work Model This is a full-time position based at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business and customer needs allow. What You'll Be Doing Conducts studies to develop and analyze manual piloting requirements to control and effect trajectories and proximity operations for spacecraft Evaluate and report on crew display and manual control requirements that provide essential information relative to commercial spacecraft operations in varying environments. Develop or evaluate contractual GNC requirements which facilitate manual piloting. Oversees analysis of system level performance requirements, interface requirements development, and simulation trade studies, validation and verification processes, including execution of system level integration test cases for certification. Guides analytical and simulation studies of vehicle system characteristics for spacecraft, designing, specifying, and validating advanced digital and analog control systems Support the development of digital simulation programs to analyze non-linear control systems with pilot-in-the-loop control, coordinating software development efforts in implementing advanced flight control programs and techniques. Team with members of Human Health and Performance in the evaluation of control display layout and functionality to ensure proper human manipulation interface Team with robotics and automation engineers to evaluate the functionality and responsiveness of manual control devices in the spacecraft What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for the <Project Engineer-Technical Project Management: Bachelor of Science degree or advanced degree in technical discipline 5 or more years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in GNC and preferably in controls and displays Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts Experience working across diverse teams and many different engineering disciplines Knowledge of space flight certification processes to ensure performance and safety requirements are met (including knowledge of NPR 7120, EA-WI-023, or equivalent processes Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and engage with external stakeholders Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a focus on innovation and operational excellence Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, issued by the DOD. US citizenship is required to obtain a clearance Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field Willing to travel occasionally to work location/domestically/internationally approx. 4-6 times a year In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the <Senior Project Engineer-Technical Project Management include: At least 10+ years' experience or more years of experience leading, researching, defining and implementing Data Science, AI or related strategies Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and empowering high-performing teams How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in related field Expertise in building on NASA Human Spaceflight topics and safety matters Guidance, Navigation, & Control - Manual Piloting and Crew Displays Engineer Leadership Competencies Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who: Operate Strategically Lead Change Engage with Impact Foster Innovation Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include: 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 We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation. Equal Opportunity Commitment The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion,genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.