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The Aerospace Corporation · 6 hours ago

Propulsion Engineer

Houston, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

4+ years exp

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As a Propulsion Engineer, you will collaborate with NASA and industry contractors to ensure the success of high-priority human space missions, focusing on propulsion system development, manufacturing, testing, and operations.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

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

Create 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

Perform 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

Qualification

STEM degreePropulsion system developmentChemical propulsion systemsSystems engineeringFluid dynamicsThermodynamicsProject managementRisk mitigationTechnical analysisTeam collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

4 years 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

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% (as required)

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

Advanced degree in a STEM discipline

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

Preferred

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

Completed course work in astrodynamics, combustion, control theory, systems engineering/design

Familiarity with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems

Previous mission operations experience

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

Familiarity working with international partners and human space flight

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

Experience in aerospace industry project management and working closely with customers and/or contractor

Benefits

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