Commercial Crew Program (CCP) 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) 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 on the Commercial Crew Program (CCP). 

Work Model

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  

Supporting the development and sustainment of advanced human spacecraft propulsion systems for NASA, using your propulsion experience to allow more responsive operations: 

• Track delivery/review of and assist the team with assessments of the various certification deliverables from SpaceX for each mission (qualification test plans/reports, acceptance test plans/reports, variances, design changes, software changes, Product Assurance Actions, hazard report verifications, etc.) against CCP requirements and NASA best practices
• Learn the partner propellant system, pressurization system, and engine design and component hardware
• Learn the CCP hardware requirements
• 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 CCP program and Chief Engineer's office
• Contractor launch, docking, undocking or return mission console support
• Possibility of occasional weekend or night work to meet deadlines or provide mission support
• Serve as backup to the SpaceX deputy system manager

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer – Propulsion Engineering

• Advanced degree in a STEM discipline
• Six 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 possibly 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.

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

• Ten 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: 

• Previous mission operations experience
• Familiarity with a variety of spacecraft propulsion systems 
• 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 

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.