Docking Systems Project 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.
Human Exploration and Spaceflight (HESF) Division in CSG is comprised of the company's subject matter experts for human spaceflight. HESF supports NASA and their bold human exploration missions from the NASA Headquarters mission directorates to the Moon to Mars office down to every Artemis Program in operation. We also support the International Space Station (ISS), Commercial LEO Development Program, Commercial Crew Program, and Human Health and Performance. HESF support spans from architecture and mission design to technology development, requirements and design reviews, and finally to verification, safety, and on orbit operational reviews and concurrences.
For this position, you will function as a Docking Systems Project Engineer (Project Engineer - Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering) to provide mechanical system architecture and design support, including docking mechanisms, and project management support to rover architecture, requirements, and prototype development. This position will support the Dynamic System Test Branch of the Software, Robotics, and Simulation Directorate of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC).
Work Model
This is a full-time position based at Johnson Space Center in Houston TX, which requires a 100% onsite work.
What You'll Be Doing:

• Provide mechanical systems support and analysis on lunar rovers
• Provide technical input to Moon-to-Mars and Artemis lunar and Mars architecture teams with regards to docking mechanisms
• Perform architectural and technical studies in support of NASA ESDMD customers, with a focus on Artemis mobility mechanisms (such as docking)
• Provide subject matter expertise to mobility formulation and testing teams, including oversight and coordination of project activities, meetings, and tasks (technical, cost, schedule, and risk).
• Support the assessment of engineering design concepts and architectures.
• Perform systems engineering, integration, and test activities for Mobility
• Support systems engineering, integration, test, and analysis activities for Mobility Formulation.
• Support system level trade studies, concept of operations definition, and requirements definition and verification.
• Travel as required to support various customer sites and technical conferences and meetings.

Other tasks include:

• Supports critical technical interchange meetings (TIM) as required
• Work closely with the ER5 and EHP Mobility leadership
• Perform other duties as required

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline
• 6 or more years of experience and have an overall background and working knowledge within structures, mechanisms, docking, and mobility
• Travel as required to support various customer sites and technical conferences and meetings. [domestically and internationally] approx. 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.

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline
• 10 or more years of experience in in flight hardware structures, mechanisms, docking, and mobility
• Familiar with the EHP mobility program

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.