Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Hardware Integration 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.

In Houston, the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for an experienced Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Hardware Integration Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) to support the EVA Systems Branch in the development, integration, and mission assurance of and across EVA systems. In this role, you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center with systems engineering and integration services and work with the NASA EVA Systems Branch in the assessment of new EVA systems, vehicle-to-EVA system and EVA equipment interfaces through the analysis of vendor data, troubleshooting issues, and on-ground testing, as needed. You will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Human Landing System (HLS) vehicle EVA equipment and interface requirements, design, safety, and flight readiness reviews. You will lead teams of engineers and technicians in conducting engineering insight activities for vehicle EVA equipment and interfaces.

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

• Conduct design assessments and determine if EVA mission requirements have been met. Identify and analyze gaps between EVA systems and other mission systems. Support HLS program decisions to resolve conflicts involving the EVA System
• Provide subject matter expertise and coordination with subject matter experts for EVA equipment and interfaces at vehicle milestone reviews and on an as-needed basis
• Provide EVA technical point of contact support for Design Verification Objective (DVO) Verification Event (VE) reviews, verification, and validation evidence collection for Certificate of Flight Readiness
• Perform EVA Safety and Mission Assurance focused evaluations: focusing on provider integration of EVA Hazards, Causes, Controls, Verifications, Fault Tolerance incorporation in HLS design
• Coordinate with HLS discipline leads/system managers for vehicle systems like Structures & Mechanisms, Thermal, Avionics, RF, and Power Systems as they relate to EVA systems
• 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)
• Maintain productive working relationships with cross-program technical teams, including engineering, safety, flight operations, crew office, and module providers
• Present to appropriate boards, panels, or technical/status meetings as needed

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical engineering or closely related engineering discipline
• 6 or more years of experience in EVA hardware systems
• Experience in system safety, Computer-Base Control Systems (CBCS), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and fault tolerance analysis
• Familiarity with aerospace hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols
• Working knowledge of NASA standard practices and requirements
• Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures
• Proven expertise in managing multiple concurrent tasks and excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Willing to travel domestically as needed

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer are:

• 10 or more years of experience in EVA hardware systems
• Experience developing and briefing decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner

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 mechanical, electrical engineering or closely related field
• Expertise in EVA systems hardware and interfaces
• Knowledge of NASA program life cycle
• Experience performing in or leading technical and programmatic tasks for NASA

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)
$117,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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 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 equal opportunity 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, 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 or by email at . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.