Optical Systems Specialist

Job Summary 

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and 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 supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for an Optical Systems Specialist (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer – Engineering Integration/Technical Project Management). In this role you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center Engineering Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division (AFMD) as an Optical Systems specialist. The AFMD provides technical leadership in the engineering disciplines of aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics; guidance, navigation, and control flight performance; mission design; and autonomous systems. The division provides engineering design, development, testing, and evaluation for all phases of space flight (ascent, entry, orbit, and interplanetary) and for all types of human spacecraft.  

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business and customer needs allow.   

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Conduct thorough analysis of mission data to identify potential enhancements to optical systems, focusing on improving safety, reliability, and efficiency 

• Support the analysis, development, acquisition, and testing of optical communication systems, and associate ground optical terminal systems 

• Provide cross functional collaboration with other engineering teams including Flight Controls, Software, and crew interfaces to ensure the seamless integration of the EDL systems  

• Regularly present complex technical findings, project developments, and innovations to a diverse range of stakeholders, including team members, external partners, and public audiences 

• Perform evaluation of operational needs and verification of mission plans 

• Serve as a highly proactive technical specialist while working closely across various engineering disciplines, flight operations, crew office, commercial providers and program teams, working groups and panels to ensure visiting vehicle success 

• Lead forums and venues to formulate and prepare technical findings and recommendations  

• Coordinate and evaluate technical objectives, requirements, interfaces, standards, issues  

• Perform other duties for the customer as required  

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer- Engineering Integration/Technical Project Management

• Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical, astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is required  

• 8 years of experience in optical communications link analysis, modeling and simulation tools, and fiber optic communication systems, or laser-based optical/instrumentation systems 

• Demonstrated knowledge of optical modulation, coding, and framing formats for fiber optic and free space optical links, and relevant industry standards 

• Working knowledge of optical networking 

• Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB  

• Working knowledge of optimization theory and advanced numerical methods  

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required) 

• This position requires 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 Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field 

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Integration/Technical Project Management include: 

At least 10+ years’ experience with NASA or on NASA commercial systems  

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 Aerospace Engineering or closely related field desired 

• Direct experience (3+ years) on space optical communication programs in the commercial domain, from either space and/or ground terminal aspect 

• Expertise in building on NASA Human Spaceflight topics and safety matters 

• Successful track record in designing, testing, and implementing systems for interplanetary or lunar missions