Senior Propulsion Engineer (Casual)

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 Senior Propulsion Engineer (MTS Level 3 - Casual) 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 program office working with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorate's Propulsion and Power Systems Division on multiple programs.

This is a casual position requiring in-person engagement with customers at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. Casual positions are less than 1,000 hours per year, usually non-continuous, irregular and infrequent.

What You'll Be Doing

• Support program office activities, working closely with the civil servant team in an advisory role including development, testing, and operations support

• Attend various meetings and conferences, both regularly scheduled and intermittent

• Serve as a highly proactive advisory specialist, understanding issues and formulating options/recommendations, while working closely teams and across other offices, working groups, and panels

• Integrate with subject matter experts and stakeholders

• Develop periodic status reports and presentations

• Develop special reports/discussions of findings, issues, conclusions, recommendations, and risk assessments

• Formulate recommendations to senior-level program management

• Perform other duties for the customer as required

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree or advanced degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline

• 12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience, including experience in a propulsion engineering and/or program management environment

• 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

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers

• Excellent teaming and leadership skills with an ability to multi-task across various issues/disciplines simultaneously

• Excellent presentation and communications skills, including development and briefing of decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner

• 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 or advanced degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline

• 20 or more years of increasingly responsible experience within NASA programs

• Experience in human spaceflight propulsion systems

• Expertise in cryogenic, hypergolic, and miniature propulsion systems through the development lifecycle.

• Knowledge of NASA Program issues and concerns

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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.