Avionics and Software Integration Lead

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 the company subject matter experts for human spaceflight.  HESF supports NASA and its 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. 

We are looking for an Avionics & Software Integration Lead (Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Program Management & Systems Engineering) is responsible for overseeing the integration of avionics systems and software within NASA’s space systems.  Avionic systems include critical subsystems such as Communications & Tracking Systems (C&T), Command & Data Handling (C&DH), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C), Computer Human Interfaces (CHI), Cybersecurity, and Avionics special processes such as Electromagnetic Effects (EME), EEE Parts and Radiation Hardening (RHA). This position requires deep technical expertise in avionics, software systems, and integration processes, with a focus on ensuring seamless interoperability between hardware and software in mission-critical space applications. 

Work Model 

This is a full-time position at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) or Aerospace facility in Houston, TX, which requires 100% onsite work. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Lead Avionics & Software Integration: Oversee the integration of avionics systems, software, and subsystems (C&T, C&DH, GN&C, CHI, EME, EEE/RHA and cybersecurity) to ensure optimal performance and interoperability across spacecraft systems. 
• System-Level Integration: Ensure smooth communication and coordination between avionics hardware, software, C&T, C&DH, GN&C, CHI, EME, EEE/RHA and cybersecurity systems throughout all integration phases, from design to testing. 
• Collaboration with International Partners: Work closely with JAXA and across the Agency to coordinate and integrate avionics, software, and systems, ensuring alignment and interoperability for joint missions. 
• Collaborative Planning: Collaborate with engineering teams across the Communications & Tracking Systems (C&T), Command & Data Handling (C&DH), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C), CHI, EME, EEE/RHA and cybersecurity disciplines to define integration requirements and resolve integration challenges. 
• Testing & Validation: Lead system-level integration and verification testing, ensuring that all avionics and software subsystems meet NASA’s rigorous standards. Oversee all aspects of project and integrated tests and ensure availability of testing resource and facilities. 
• Cybersecurity Oversight: Lead cybersecurity specialists to ensure all avionics and software systems are designed, tested, and implemented with robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and ensure mission security. 
• Risk Management & Mitigation: Identify, assess, and manage technical risks, particularly in the areas of C&T, C&DH, GN&C, CHI, EME, EEE/RHA and cybersecurity, and develop mitigation strategies as necessary. 
• Integration Documentation & Reporting: Prepare and maintain detailed integration plans, test procedures, and status reports, ensuring clear documentation of system-level integration activities, with specific attention to C&T, C&DH, GN&C, CHI, EME, EEE/RHA and cybersecurity. 
• Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with all NASA safety, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements. 
• Continuous Process Improvement: Promote continuous improvement in the integration processes, leveraging lessons learned from previous missions to optimize future integration activities. 
• Program Milestones: Support project timelines and ensure successful integration at each stage, meeting all program milestones and ensuring mission readiness. 

This position supports the Aerospace strategic goals of: Innovation and Velocity  

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in electrical or software engineering, or another related STEM discipline
• 10 or more years of experience in flight hardware avionics, communication, and telemetry design including software and hardware development 
• Expertise in avionics systems integration and software development, including embedded systems and avionics protocols (e.g., ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN Bus). 
• Hands-on experience with Communications & Tracking Systems (C&T), Command & Data Handling (C&DH), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C) systems, and cybersecurity best practices for space systems. 
• Proficient in programming languages such as C, C++, and Python; familiarity with avionics software tools, testing, and simulation environments. 
• Experience in systems engineering and integration, particularly for mission-critical space applications. 
• Solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, with experience implementing security protocols and risk management strategies for space systems. 
• Experience in working with international partners to ensure seamless system integration and coordination 
• Willingness to travel [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 electrical or software engineering, or another related STEM discipline
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary technical teams, guiding them through complex integration challenges, including managing international collaboration efforts. 
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with an ability to resolve issues related to the integration of complex avionics, software, and cybersecurity systems. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including international teams and NASA management. 
• Project Management: Experience managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure that integration milestones are met on schedule. Experience in coordinating with international teams and ensuring that integration activities meet cross-agency timelines. 

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.

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.