Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis

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.

We are looking for a Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis (CARA) Program Analyst Systems Engineer (Project Engineer- Flight Mechanics). The NASA Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis (CARA) Team protects the safety of the space environment by monitoring collision risk for the NASA fleet of uncrewed spacecraft. Aerospace plays a key role by providing specialized skills in the areas of conjunction assessment techniques and analysis, operations, cloud development, and systems engineering. The CARA sub-tasks include Analysis, Software and Ground Systems Development, Operations, and Orbital Safety Analysts. These sub-tasks fulfill an end-to-end pipeline from research and analysis of advanced risk assessment methods through implementation into daily operations to protect NASA missions and the space environment. More information can be found at www.nasa.gov/cara.

Work Model

This is a full time, hybrid position located at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt MD or Crystal City, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Understand key concepts of conjunction risk assessment for application to the CARA mission.
• Work with CARA Chief Engineer to foster innovation and support systems engineering efforts across the CARA subtasks.
• Work with CARA R&D Lead to define gap closure activities and prioritize efforts.
• Perform technical analyses as part of the CARA Analysis Team.
• Document research and analysis in conference papers or journal articles.
• Work with CARA Management and Leads to define and review CARA requirements.
• Engage with NASA HQ/CAPO (Conjunction Assessment Program Officer) to address actions from HQ and define CARA direction and priorities and to operate strategically.
• Engage with broader Space Situational Awareness (SSA) community and stay abreast of the state of the art in SSA techniques.
• Help define long-term vision for CARA and set a corresponding direction of technical efforts.

What You Need to be Successful - Project Engineer- Flight Mechanics

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or another applicable STEM discipline
• At least 6 years of experience in systems engineering and risk analysis.
• Experience performing detailed research and analysis.
• Experience working with an engineering back plane.
• Coursework or experience in flight dynamics and orbital mechanics
• Demonstrated skill in technical writing.
• Self-starter and effective team coordination skills.
• Experience with python, MATLAB, SharePoint, Microsoft Suites, Confluence.
• Willing to travel domestically 25%
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret 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:

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or another applicable STEM discipline
• More than 10 years of experience in systems engineering and risk analysis.
• Published in engineering or scientific peer reviewed journals
• Comfortable presenting at industry conferences and workshops.
• Current TS/SCI

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)

$117,300 - $175,900Pay Basis: Annual

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