Pyrotechnics Engineer

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.  

This position will support NASA Energy Conversion Systems and serve as a Pyrotechnics Engineer (Project Engineer- Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering) at Johnson Space Center for pyrotechnic systems, including all pyrotechnic devices and firing circuits. This position is included within a specialty that involves research, development, design, test, evaluation, production, flight certification, and application of pyrotechnic components, and systems for aerospace vehicles and ground support equipment. The work involves design, modeling/analysis, and development of pyrotechnic systems both individually and as parts of the vehicle or ground support equipment. 

Work Model:

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

What You’ll Be Doing  

As the Pyrotechnics Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the following tasks:  

• Managing the systems engineering and technical integration activities over the entire life cycle, including design, development, test, evaluation, verification, launch, on-orbit, and entry operations. 
• Coordinating pyrotechnic phase reviews including baseline, production, and lot acceptance/certification for new pyrotechnic devices, including qualification for new vehicle use. 
• Independently identifying technical needs and identifying solutions for problems that arise during hardware developmental and operational phases. Assisting in identifying root cause for anomalies and serves as the technical expert providing engineering recommendations, as required, for resolution of any associated problems or issues. 
• Conducting independent or insight system analysis using finite element tools for hazard report assessments and technical feasibility analysis of reliable pyrotechnic devices for human-rated space applications. 
• Assisting in directing a broad range of inter-disciplinary development, design and development, test, verification activities to ensure that system performance meets all system requirements. 
• Assisting in the formulation of positions/recommendations including options and associated risks for pyrotechnic concepts, architectures, designs, and requirements tailoring. 
• Coordinating with Safety and Mission Assurance on pyrotechnic safety measures to ensure quality, reliability, and performance of pyrotechnic devices. 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements:  

• Bachelor of Science degree or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Chemical Engineering 
• 6 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering, program lifecycle, and program management environment 
• Skilled in using principles and practices involved in the definition, design, development, integration, test, manufacturing, and operations of pyrotechnic systems including all elements within a pyrotechnic system.  
• Elements include but are not limited to, initiators, detonators, safe and arm devices, explosive transfer lines, pyro valves, riser cutters, reefing line cutters, shaped charges, separation bolts, frangible joints, frangible nuts, through bulkhead initiators, cartridge assemblies, and mechanically actuated devices. 
• Demonstrated experience with pyrotechnic flight hardware qualification, certification, and acceptance tests. 
• Knowledge of oversight required for Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) hardware over the development life cycle. 
• Experienced in definition of pyrotechnic system architecture, component/device design, structural interfaces, NASA safety standards, pyrotechnic standards, and operational requirements. 
• Skilled in systems engineering and scientific principles and practices of pyrotechnic systems for spacecraft development and evaluation, including cost/risk trades, design optimization, problem resolution and hardware enhancements or improvements. 
• Expert in maintaining excellent communication, awareness of expectations, and relationships with direct supervisors, and Center, Agency and other high-level stakeholders. 
• Knowledge and understanding of the NASA program life cycle and associated milestone reviews 
• Working experience in SharePoint and wiki pages 
• Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts and recommendations, including development of and briefing of decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner to personnel at all technical and managerial levels 
• Ability to work in a quick-paced, small core team that leads technical discussions across a large technical community and influences teams across the NASA enterprise 
• Excellent teaming and leadership skills with an ability to multi-task across various issues/disciplines simultaneously   
• 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.

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Chemical Engineering 
• More than 6 years of pyrotechnics experience 
• Demonstrated successful experience performing or leading technical and programmatic tasks  
• Demonstrated expertise in performing or leading SEI analysis cycle tasks 
• Established success in management and leadership role experience 
• Proven ability to successfully work across multiple organizations that contribute to mission success 

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.