Propulsion Engineer

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 (Senior Member of Technical Staff/ Project Engineer) Propulsion Engineering 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 Gateway Program.

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

• Provide support for the overall technical development certification and verification of the integrated propulsion systems of multiple space vehicles

• Work with a team of engineers who work within the NASA project office US Prime Contractors and international partners to assess the design and safe operation of propulsion systems for manned vehicles

• Ensure the technical certification of multiple propulsion systems. This entails working with a team whose overall responsibility is to articulate define and perform integrated technical analysis perform rigorous oversight of propulsion components within the system and review component test and verification plans

• Actively support the creation review and closure of hazard reports integrated hazard analysis component variances and waiver rationale

• Create program risk packages the formulation of risk mitigation proposals and if necessary the formation and elevation of dissenting opinion packages in support of the program chief engineer

• Perform risk mitigation tasks and strategic project management by identifying potential areas of risk mitigation for the visiting vehicles propulsion system and then formulating the details of advocating for and ultimately executing these risk mitigation efforts

• Track delivery/review of and assist the team with assessments of the various certification deliverables from the prime contractor for each mission (qualification test plans/reports acceptance test plans/reports variances design changes software changes Product Assurance Actions hazard report verifications etc.) against program requirements and NASA best practices

• Learn the partner propellant system pressurization system and engine design and component hardware

• 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 program and Chief Engineers office

• Contractor launch docking undocking or return mission console support

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff Propulsion Engineering:

• Bachelors degree in a STEM field

• 4 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 to demonstrate the utilization of propulsion and propellant systems

• Willingness to travel both domestically and internationally to support customer needs approximately 10% (as )

• This position may require ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is to obtain a security clearance.

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM discipline

• 6 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:

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

• Completed course work in astrodynamics combustion control theory systems engineering/design

• Familiarity with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems

• Previous mission operations experience

• 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

• Experience in aerospace industry project management and working closely with customers and/or contractor