Propulsion 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.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is “We Deliver”; we work across the space enterprise and deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success.

As a Propulsion Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer) – Propulsion Engineering in the Propulsion Department, you will collaborate with our NASA customer and industry contractors to ensure the success of high-priority human space missions with challenging propulsion requirements. Your work will potentially involve propulsion system development, sustainment, manufacturing, testing, and operations for multiple programs. You must be willing to learn a broad range of new technologies and systems and confidently advise customers in making critical decisions.

The ideal candidate will be hired into VSD/Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) and will primarily support the Civil Systems Group (CSG) to work with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorate’s Propulsion and Power Systems Division.

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

• Provide support for the overall technical development, certification, and verification of the integrated propulsion systems of multiple space vehicles

• Work with a team of engineers who work within the NASA project office, US Prime Contractors, and international partners, to assess the design and safe operation of propulsion systems for manned vehicles

• Ensure the technical certification of multiple propulsion systems. This entails working with a team whose overall responsibility is to articulate, define, and perform integrated technical analysis, perform rigorous oversight of propulsion components within the system, and review component test and verification plans

• Actively support the creation, review, and closure of hazard reports, integrated hazard analysis, component variances, and waiver rationale

• Creating program risk packages, the formulation of risk mitigation proposals, and if necessary, the formation and elevation of dissenting opinion packages in support of the program chief engineer

• Responsible for the risk mitigation tasks and strategic project management by identifying potential areas of risk mitigation for the visiting vehicles propulsion system and then formulating the details of, advocating for, and ultimately executing these risk mitigation efforts

• Track delivery/review of and assist the team with assessments of the various certification deliverables from the prime contractor for each mission (qualification test plans/reports, acceptance test plans/reports, variances, design changes, software changes, Product Assurance Actions, hazard report verifications, etc.) against program requirements and NASA best practices

• Learn the partner propellant system, pressurization system, and engine design and component hardware

• Attend weekly team internal meetings and meetings with the partner propulsion teams

• Assist/Work with or lead the team in assessing qualification/acceptance test plans/reports, requirement waivers/deviations, product assurance actions, design changes, software changes, non-compliances, etc. This includes making presentations to the program and Chief Engineer's office

• Contractor launch, docking, undocking or return mission console support

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer – Propulsion Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline

• 6 years or more of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment

• Experience with in-space spacecraft chemical propulsion systems and propellant tank / delivery subsystems

• Experience with design, development, qualification, and acceptance requirements for pressure fed in space bi-propellant NTO/MMH engines

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and integrate solutions across engineering disciplines and various teams

• Knowledge of fundamental and advanced engineering principles in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics used in the design, evaluation and optimization of propulsion and propellant systems for space flight vehicles

• Knowledge in the design and development of major elements of ground test and space flight systems required to demonstrate the utilization of propulsion and propellant systems

• Willingness to travel both domestically and internationally to support customer needs, approximately 10%

• 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.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer – Propulsion Engineering

• 10 or more years of professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and/or project management environment

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Familiarity with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems

• Previous mission operations experience

• Familiarity working with international partners and human space flight

• Knowledge of space system engineering practices and standards

• Experience with hot fire testing or working with storable propellant chemical rocket engines

• Experience in hypergolic propulsion systems and/or refueling

• Knowledge and understanding of the NASA and/or DoD program life cycle

• Knowledge of space flight certification processes to ensure performance and safety requirements are met (including knowledge of NPR 7120, EA-WI-023, or equivalent DoD processes)

• Exposure performing in or leading technical and programmatic tasks for NASA

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)

$117,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay 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.