Orbital Debris Engineer
Listed on 2026-01-12
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Engineering
Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Mechanical Engineer, Engineering Design & Technologists
Overview
Barrios Technology is an engineering solutions partner with more than 45 years of experience supporting NASA and the commercial space industry. We deliver innovative engineering, software, and technology integration services across NASA centers nationwide. Barrios prides itself on a people-focused culture that values creativity, diversity, professional growth, and a healthy work–life balance.
We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. Bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration.
Currently there is an exciting opportunity for an Orbital Debris Engineer to join the team with Barrios, a teammate company.
The Orbital Debris Engineer will:
- Evaluate spacecraft and rocket body Orbital Debris Assessment Reports (ODARs) and end-of-mission plans (EOMPs)
- Develop, document, integrate, maintain and operate computer models such as the Object Reentry Survival Analysis Tool (ORSAT)
- Evaluate the survivability of spacecraft and rocket body components during atmospheric reentry using ORSAT and other computer models
- Maintain databases of yearly space launches and spacecraft and rocket body components
- Participate in experiments to improve models of the space debris environment and atmospheric reentry
- Work closely with JETS Orbital Debris Research & Science Operations (ODRSO) colleagues and NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) customers
- Support and participate in technical interchange meetings
- Present work products to customers and counterparts (written & verbal)
- Perform other duties as required
This position is posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate’s experience, position requirements and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.
Required Education/Experience/
Skills:
- Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2-5 years of experience in the field or in a related area
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely-related field and 5 years relevant experience
- Experience with structural and thermal modeling
- Experience with a high level computer language
- Must meet eligibility requirements to receive and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
Preferred Education/Experience/
Skills:
- Experience with spacecraft and/or rocket body hardware design and implementation
- Experience with C/C++, FORTRAN
77/95, and Python - Experience with applications, e.g. LabVIEW, MATLAB
- Experience with material science
- Experience with laboratory testing
- Experience with high-speed aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics
- Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team
- Demonstration of strong communication skills
- Demonstration of creativity, conception, vision, and personal initiative
Essential Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation
- Post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol as outlined in our Drug Free Workplace policy
- Work may involve sitting for extended periods
- May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs
- Must have sufficient mobility to enter areas of test facilities where necessary
- Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task
- Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, fax, etc.)
- Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical
- Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements when required
- Must be able to work in a team atmosphere
- Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation
- Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or…
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