Exploration Mission Planning Office – Mars Architecture 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.

We are looking for an Exploration Mission Planning Office – Mars Architecture Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Systems Engineering). This position will support the Exploration Mission Planning Office (EMPO) with architecture and human exploration engineering expertise. EMPO provides agency leadership for the development, analysis, integration, and implementation of human spaceflight architectures, mission plans, and spacecraft/surface system definitions. In this role, you will coordinate and collaborate with the Artemis lunar architecture team and Mars architecture teams to address matters for surface operations and to enable future exploration architectures for NASA.  

Work Model

This is a full-time position based at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, Washington D.C., or El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work/ work model allowing 4 days onsite and 1 day remote per week as business needs allow 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Architect and develop Mars exploration scenarios and systems for surface operations 
• Facilitate definition and closure of technical requirements for human Mars missions 
• Perform technology assessments, readiness evaluations, and industry/international capability assessments 
• Collaborate with NASA mission designers, robotics teams, and communications experts across government and industry 
• Review contractor deliverables and NASA requirements to ensure compliance and system effectiveness 
• Contribute to standards development and documentation 
• Participate in technical, safety, and integration working groups  
• Plan, manage, and report on analyses, studies, and tests of components and systems 
• Develop technical and progress reports to support internal teams and external partners 
• Lead and support technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, and key design milestones serving as a key Mars integrator 
• Prepare clear, actionable reports and presentations for program offices and NASA leadership 
• Act as a representative in technical reviews, conferences, and workshops with NASA and international stakeholders 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer- Systems Engineering

• Bachelor of Science degree or advanced degree in engineering or science 
• 6 or more years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in supporting systems engineering and program lifecycle environment 
• Hands on experience in space architecture and mission design 
• Experience in mission formulation, planning, and element concept design 
• Knowledge and understanding of the NASA program life cycle and associated milestone reviews 
• Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts and recommendations to personnel at all technical and managerial levels 
• Experience working within diverse teams and multiple engineering disciplines 
• 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:

• Bachelor of Science degree or advanced degree in engineering or science 
• 10 or more years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in leading systems engineering and program lifecycle environment 
• Extensive experience leading space architecture and mission design 
• Experience leading mission formulation, planning, and element concept design 
• Proven deep knowledge and understanding of the NASA program life cycle and associated milestone reviews 
• Experience leading diverse teams and multiple engineering disciplines 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in an engineering or science discipline 
• Experience with lunar mission design, cislunar space operations 
• Background in designing and developing human exploration systems, including landers and habitats 
• Familiarity with NASA standards and interplanetary communications architecture, such as SCaN 

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$147,000 - $204,000

Pay Basis: Annual

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 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.