Avionics Hardware Systems Engineer

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 Avionics Hardware Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer – Systems Engineering). In this role you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center with engineering and integration services and provide mission support for the life cycle implementation of all the Command and Data Handling (C&DH) hardware as well as Communications and Tracking (C&T) system for multiple human exploration programs. 

Work Model

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and contribute to avionics hardware design and development 
• Define system requirements, interfaces, and performance criteria for avionics hardware 
• Develop and implement verification and validation (V&V) plans for avionics hardware systems in alignment with industry standards and space mission requirements 
• Lead V&V testing activities including performance testing, integration, and qualification for hardware systems 
• Conduct failure analysis and troubleshoot avionics hardware issues to ensure systems are validated for flight readiness 
• Prepare and review technical documentation, including test reports, system specifications, and V&V reports 
• Ensure compliance with NASA standards and industry regulations for avionics systems 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure hardware integration into spacecraft systems 
• Perform other hardware testing as needed to ensure system functionality and reliability 
• Perform requirements development tasks and cross-program interface management 
• Review relevant vendor products and monitor technical status of development activities, testing, and operations planning 
• Provide support, as required, for activities such as Acceptance Review Board, Stage Operations Readiness Review, Launch Pad Readiness Review, Manufacturing Readiness Review, Verification Change Notice (VCN) closures and other problem resolution/corrective action support 
• Present to appropriate boards, panels, or technical/status meetings as needed 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the <Project Engineer- Systems Engineering >

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, or another technical discipline  
• At least 6 years of experience with avionics hardware systems, including design and testing tools 
• Experimental testing experience, including comprehensive V&V experience 
• Familiarity with avionics hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols 
• Working knowledge of NASA standard practices and requirements 
• Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures  
• Proven expertise in managing multiple concurrent tasks and excellent problem-solving skills 
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment 
• Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills, including development of and briefing of decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner   
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally approx. 10%.   
• 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.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the < Senior Project Engineer- Systems Engineering > include:

• Master’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, or another technical discipline  
• At least 10+ years’ experience with NASA or on NASA commercial systems 
• Experience working on space station or spacecraft avionics systems 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers 
• Proven expertise with NASA flight operations and procedures  

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Science, or another technical discipline  
• Expertise in building on NASA Human Spaceflight topics and safety matters 

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
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the 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 Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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, color, religion, genetic information, 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 you’re 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 email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.