Entry Thermal Protection Technical Discipline 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.

Job Summary

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 ofhighly-trainedmechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides nationalexpertisein 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.

In this position, you will serve as the Entry Descent and Landing (EDL) Technical Discipline Lead (Project Engineer/ Senior Project Engineer- Multi-Disciplinary Engineering) in the JSC Thermal Design Branch with specific emphasis on the development, analysis, application and testing of advanced EDL system materials and technology.  Oversee the development of new thermal models, stress analyses, test techniques, and an overall certification path. This position is included within a specialty that involves the study of radiation, convection, and conduction heat transfer within solids, fluids, and vacuums.  This position will support the Structural Engineering Division's Thermal Design Branch 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 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as technical expert in the field of EDL design, engineering analysis and thermal testing

• Identify technical needs and manage system engineering and technical integration activities for spacecraft EDL systems

• Provide solutions and establish criteria for the design, development test, and implementation of advanced EDL system technology needed for current and future exploration spacecraft

• Provide expert technical guidance, oversight, resolution and consultation on EDL system design analysis and testing to all Mission Directorate programs

• Support the Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) domain by developing strategies for the advancement of necessary technologies and implementation on spacecraft in development and currently flying

• Participate in technical meetings and participates in conferences pertaining to EDL technologies

• Engage with other government agencies, universities, and industrial companies to obtain technical information or discuss mutual areas of interest to build coalitions / partnerships with external partners

• Survey technical and scientific literature, commercial catalogs and trade journals, proceedings of professional societies, and latest reports of developments made available by other agencies in order to keep abreast of most recent development in areas of responsibility

• Propose and develop new concepts via advanced research projects in EDL technology in concert with private industry and other government agencies

• Advise management on the relative value, urgency, and feasibility of EDL system technology development projects, most fruitful approach and possible difficulties involved.  Provide expertise and technical direction to the final advanced research projects

• Initiate and provide detailed engineering analysis and technical consultations for development, design, testing and evaluation of spacecraft TPS systems and equipment

• Plan, direct, and conduct conceptual definition studies and analysis for a variety of advanced systems on proposed new projects for which no precedents are available

• Provide senior engineering technical planning, direction and review on complex studies involving thermal and structural interaction, computational concepts, and techniques for performing thermal analyses

• Maintain regular contact with counterparts in other organizations to solve technical problems, exchange information, implement planning and discuss areas of mutual interest

• Write technical and progress reports covering assigned projects and technical discipline area focus

• Participate in technical meetings and conferences, internal and external to JSC and NASA, as spokesperson for the Thermal Design Branch

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Entry Descent and Landing (EDL) Technical Discipline Lead (Project Engineer - Multi-Disciplinary Engineering):

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering is required

• A minimum of (6) or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience within structural design and analysis as well as thermal analysis is required

• Experience and understanding of the materials, adhesives, and backplanes of TPS

• Experience on spacecraft programs that required EDL flight profiles and reusability of those spacecrafts

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs, technical conferences and meetings (domestically/internationally) approximately two times per year (as required) 

• 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:

• (15) or more years of experience in flight hardware, structural design and analysis as well as thermal analysis is highly preferred

• Familiarity with the Orion and/or CCP crewed vehicles is strongly desired

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

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.