Human Exploration Ascent/Entry Trajectory Analyst

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 Ascent/Entry Trajectory Analysis (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer – Technical Project Management). In this role you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center Engineering Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division (AFMD) as an Ascent/Entry analyst supporting human exploration programs. 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  

• Perform mission design/analysis on various NASA missions and programs  

• Perform assessment and analysis of vehicle designs and trajectories (both launch and reentry) of various NASA and contractor mission profiles. This includes any software development necessary for performing the trajectory analysis  

• Identify and communicate any related issues and risks to the Aeroscience & Flight Mechanics Division 

• 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, as well as working groups and panels to ensure trajectory designs meets mission profiles, vehicle design parameters, and flight safety rules 

• 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 - Technical Project Management: 

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

• Experience with spacecraft rendezvous, proximity operations, and capture/docking 

• Familiarity with spacecraft docking systems 

• Working knowledge of NASA standard practices and requirements, including safety and fault tolerance 

• Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures 

• Excellent teaming and leadership skills with an ability to working across diverse teams and multi-task across various issues/disciplines simultaneously  

• Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills, including development of and briefing of decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner   

• Ability to work within a diverse team environment and many engineering disciplines, where the team is distributed across multiple NASA and Aerospace Corporation organizations, projects, and programs  

• Proven expertise in managing multiple concurrent tasks and provide direction on competing priorities  

• Willing to travel occasionally to work location/domestically/internationally approx. 4-6 times a year  

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

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