NASA ARES Curation Planning Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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 youll be part of a special collection of problem solvers thought leaders and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Building on The Aerospace Corporations reputation as a trusted impartial advisor with 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 and Civil Space Operations Division supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight (HSF) and deep space exploration program office activities. We are looking for a Curation Planning Engineer (Project Engineer- Systems Engineering) supporting NASAs Astro materials Acquisition and Curation Office in the Astro materials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at Johnson Space Center. ARES is at the forefront of scientific exploration managing NASAs nine current Astro materials collections and leading the curation planning efforts for the return of future samples. The global scientific community conducts cutting-edge research on these Astro materials to unravel the mysteries of the universe and advance our understanding of planetary formation evolution and potential for life beyond Earth.

As a Curation Planning Engineer you will assist with the curation planning efforts for the future return of samples to the NASA Astro materials collections during the Artemis missions. You will work closely with a team of scientists engineers and researchers to plan the proper handling processing storage documentation and sharing of these samples and associated research data with other institutions and the broader scientific community.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Houston at Johnson Space Center offering an onsite work model that combines 5 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.

What Youll Be Doing

• Establish curation plans in alignment with the Artemis campaign timeline mission requirements priorities and capabilities
• Develop and implement comprehensive protocols for the documentation handling storage and tracking of extraterrestrial samples in accordance with NASA guidelines and requirements
• Once acquired oversee the maintenance and organization of sample collections including lunar rocks small bodied objects and other Astro materials ensuring their integrity and security
• Collaborate with scientists and researchers within ARES other NASA divisions and the global scientific community to facilitate access to sample collections for scientific investigation
• Establish and maintain databases and information systems to catalog sample metadata analytical data and research findings ensuring accessibility and transparency for the scientific community and satisfaction of NASA requirements
• Develop strategies for the exchange of in-demand astromaterial samples and sample characterization data with domestic and international partners including academia research institutions and museums while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements
• Participate in outreach activities aimed at promoting public awareness and engagement in the astromaterials collections and associated research including public lectures museum exhibitions and educational programs

What You Need to be Successful - Project Engineer- Systems Engineering (MTS 2)

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university program in a scientific or engineering field
• 6 years of experience in systems engineering and/or research science
• Experience in NASA mission planning structure data integration and developing technical documentation
• Strong organizational communication and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders
• Working knowledge of the Artemis campaign objectives with a passion for advancing our scientific understanding of the solar system and beyond
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate project planning initiative and oversight
• Willing to travel domestically and/or internationally 1-2 times per year
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Masters or PhD in a related field
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing scientific research programs or laboratory facilities with a track record of fostering innovation and excellence in team environments
• Experience in grant writing project management or strategic planning
• Experience in sample curation laboratory management and/or research coordination preferably in a NASA or similar research environment
• Experience with astromaterial analytical techniques and tools

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 otherthe 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 colorreligiongeneticinformation 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 youre 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 .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.