NASA ARES Curation Planning 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 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.

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Within the CSG, the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division and Civil Space Operation’s Division supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight (HSF) and deep space exploration program office activities. We are looking for a Curation Planning Engineer (Project Engineer- Systems Engineering) supporting NASA’s Astro materials Acquisition and Curation Office in the Astro materials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at Johnson Space Center. ARES is at the forefront of scientific exploration, managing NASA’s nine current Astro materials collections and leading the curation planning efforts for the return of future samples. The global scientific community conducts cutting-edge research on these Astro materials to unravel the mysteries of the universe and advance our understanding of planetary formation, evolution, and potential for life beyond Earth.

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​As a Curation Planning Engineer, you will assist with the curation planning efforts for the future return of samples to the NASA Astro materials collections during the Artemis missions. You will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers, and researchers to plan the proper handling, processing, storage, documentation, and sharing of these samples and associated research data with other institutions and the broader scientific community.

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​Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Houston at Johnson Space Center, offering an onsite work model that combines 5 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

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​What You’ll Be Doing 

• ​Establish curation plans in alignment with the Artemis campaign timeline, mission requirements, priorities, and capabilities
• Develop and implement comprehensive protocols for the documentation, handling, storage, and tracking of extraterrestrial samples in accordance with NASA guidelines and requirements
• ​Once acquired, oversee the maintenance and organization of sample collections, including lunar rocks, small bodied objects, and other Astro materials, ensuring their integrity and security
• ​​Collaborate with scientists and researchers within ARES, other NASA divisions, and the global scientific community to facilitate access to sample collections for scientific investigation​
• ​Establish and maintain databases and information systems to catalog sample metadata, analytical data, and research findings, ensuring accessibility and transparency for the scientific community and satisfaction of NASA requirements
• ​Develop strategies for the exchange of in-demand astromaterial samples and sample characterization data with domestic and international partners, including academia, research institutions, and museums, while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements
• ​Participate in outreach activities aimed at promoting public awareness and engagement in the astromaterials collections and associated research, including public lectures, museum exhibitions, and educational programs

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​What You Need to be Successful - Project Engineer- Systems Engineering (MTS 2)​

Minimum Requirements: 

• ​Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university program in a scientific or engineering field
• 6 years of experience in systems engineering and/or research science
• Experience in NASA mission planning structure, data integration, and developing technical documentation
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders
• ​Working knowledge of the Artemis campaign objectives with a passion for advancing our scientific understanding of the solar system and beyond
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate project planning initiative and oversight
• ​Willing to travel domestically and/or internationally 1-2 times per year
• ​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. 

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​How You Can Stand Out 

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

• ​Masters or PhD in a related field
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing scientific research programs or laboratory facilities, with a track record of fostering innovation and excellence in team environments
• ​Experience in grant writing, project management, or strategic planning
• ​Experience in sample curation, laboratory management, and/or research coordination, preferably in a NASA or similar research environment
• ​Experience with astromaterial analytical techniques and tools​

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.