Spacecraft Ground Communications Engineer

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.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

VSD partners closely with the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division in support of NASA customers across all aspects of human space flight. Currently, we are looking for a Ground Communications Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Communication Systems and Systems Engineering) to support NASA's SCaN (Space Communications and Navigation) Program. This group operates and manages the communications and navigation systems that are critical to every NASA mission. From unmanned probes like James Webb to human spacecraft like the lunar lander or Artemis missions, this role is critical to connecting assets in space to us back here on Earth.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX.

What You'll Be Doing

• Creating communication systems for spaceflight vehicles, focusing on ground data systems, mission analysis and flight planning

• Designing, building, maintaining and operating ground-based systems (antennas, networks, software) that connect spacecraft to Earth

• Integrating, diagnosing and troubleshooting radio frequency and optical systems, IT and mechanical systems in real-time

• Providing expertise in support of system upgrade architecture studies, including potential use of commercial data relay systems

• Supporting and maintaining large antennas and ground networks like the Deep Space Network (DSN) and Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)

• Ensuring secure and efficient data flow from spacecraft to Earth

• Conducting system safety and reliability analyses on ground-based systems and proposed upgrade architectures

• Maintain productive working relationships with cross-program technical teams, including engineering, safety, flight operations, crew office, and more

• Present to appropriate boards, panels, or technical/status meetings as needed

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Project Engineer - Communications Systems and Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics or related engineering discipline

• 6+ years of experience with space-related ground systems

• Experience working system lifecycle processes, flight hardware, networking engineering, Deep Space Network or Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System

• Familiarity with avionics hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols

• Working knowledge of NASA standard practices and requirements

• Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship

• Willing to travel domestically as needed

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for Senior Project Engineer - Communications Systems and Systems Engineering include:

• 10+ years of total experience in space-related ground systems

• Experience developing and briefing decision packages and complex information

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 STEM related field

• Experience working on NASA Human Spaceflight topics and safety matters

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
• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various 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 equalopportunity employer. 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.