Flight Mechanics Project Manager

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s 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, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

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.

Our team provides expert technical assistance for architecture design, spacecraft design, ground operations, mission integration, and advanced development and field testing. As Flight Mechanics Project Manager (MTS Level 3-Casual – Flight Mechanics), you will be responsible for collaborating with our NASA customer and industry contractors and vendors to ensure the success of high-priority space missions with challenging spacecraft design requirements. You must be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems, and confidently advise customers in making critical decisions. Your work may involve system development, manufacture, testing, and operations for multiple programs. 

Work Model

This is a part time/casual position based in Houston, TX Johnson Space Center, offering a hybrid work model that requires 2 or more onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.   

What You’ll Be Doing

Supporting the development of advanced spacecraft systems for national space missions through administration of the customers High Performance Computing (HPC) environment within the Flight Sciences laboratory (FSL).

• Administer the HPC within the FSL
• Provide aerothermodynamics expertise / oversight
• Develop analysis tools using physics solver and other software programs
• Resolve unique or novel problems, conditions, and issues
• Perform technical evaluation of systems used for spacecraft programs
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate results and recommendations to Aerospace program offices and NASA.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited program
• 12 or more years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering, systems management, and project management.
• Experience with NASA mission architecture design as well as spacecraft development lifecycle to include requirements, design, development, qualification, acceptance, and operational use of spacecraft systems.
• Experience in design and development of human exploration lunar and interplanetary surface systems to include landers and habitats.
• Experience in entry, descent, and landing to include R&D, DDT&E, and operations.
• Knowledge and understanding of NASA and/or DOD program life cycle.
• Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts.
• Experience working across diverse teams and many different engineering disciplines.
• Knowledge of space flight certification processes to ensure performance and safety requirements are met (including knowledge of NPR 7120, EA-WI-023, or equivalent processes)
• Knowledge in the design and development of major elements of ground test and space flight systems required to demonstrate the utilization of systems.
• 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. 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• An advanced degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited program
• Completed course work in astrodynamics, combustion, control theory, systems engineering/design.
• Experience with a variety of spacecraft systems
• Experience with space system engineering practices and standards
• Experience working closely with customers and/or contractors.
• Experience working with international partners
• Experience in human space flight
• Knowledge and understanding of the NASA program life cycle
• Experience performing in or leading technical and programmatic tasks for NASA
• Experience in aerospace industry project management

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 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 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, 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.