Commercial Crew Program (CCP) Propulsion 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.

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; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is We Deliver; we work across the space enterprise and deliver timely objective and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success.

As a Propulsion Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer) in the Propulsion Department you will collaborate with our NASA customer and industry contractors to ensure the success of high-priority human space missions with challenging propulsion requirements. Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development sustainment manufacturing testing and operations for multiple programs. You must be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems and confidently advise customers in making critical decisions.

The ideal candidate will be hired into VSD/Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) and will primarily support the Civil Systems Group (CSG) to work with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorates Propulsion and Power Systems Division on the Commercial Crew Program (CCP).

Work Model

This is a full-time position based at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston TX which requires 100% onsite work.

What Youll Be Doing

Supporting the development and sustainment of advanced human spacecraft propulsion systems for NASA using your propulsion experience to allow more responsive operations:

• Track delivery/review of and assist the team with assessments of the various certification deliverables from SpaceX for each mission (qualification test plans/reports acceptance test plans/reports variances design changes software changes Product Assurance Actions hazard report verifications etc.) against CCP requirements and NASA best practices
• Learn the partner propellant system pressurization system and engine design and component hardware
• Learn the CCP hardware requirements
• Attend weekly team internal meetings and meetings with the partner propulsion teams
• Assist/Work with or lead the team in assessing qualification/acceptance test plans/reports requirement waivers/deviations product assurance actions design changes software changes non-compliances etc. This includes making presentations to the CCP program and Chief Engineers office
• Contractor launch docking undocking or return mission console support
• Possibility of occasional weekend or night work to meet deadlines or provide mission support
• Serve as backup to the SpaceX deputy system manager

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer Propulsion Engineering

• Advanced degree in a STEM discipline
• Six years of professional engineering/scientific experience including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment
• Experience with in-space spacecraft chemical propulsion systems and propellant tank / delivery subsystems
• Experience with design development qualification and acceptance requirements for pressure fed in space bi-propellant NTO/MMH engines
• Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace mechanical electrical engineering heat transfer fluid dynamics and thermodynamics used in the design evaluation and optimization of propulsion and propellant systems for space flight vehicles
• Knowledge in the design and development of major elements of ground test and space flight systems required to demonstrate the utilization of propulsion and propellant systems
• Willingness to travel both domestically and possibly internationally to support customer needs approximately 10% (as required)
• This position may require 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.

In addition to the above the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer Propulsion Engineering:

• Ten years of professional engineering/scientific experience including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Previous mission operations experience
• Familiarity with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems
• Knowledge of space system engineering practices and standards
• Experience with hot fire testing or working with storable propellant chemical rocket engines
• Experience in hypergolic propulsion systems and/or refueling
• Familiarity working with international partners and human space flight
• Knowledge and understanding of the NASA and/or DoD program life cycle
• Knowledge of space flight certification processes to ensure performance and safety requirements are met (including knowledge of NPR 7120 EA-WI-023 or equivalent DoD processes)
• Exposure performing in or leading technical and programmatic tasks for NASA

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.