Senior Propulsion Engineer; Casual

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 Senior Propulsion Engineer (MTS Level 3 - Casual), 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 program office working with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorate’s Propulsion and Power Systems Division on multiple programs.

This is a casual position requiring in-person engagement with customers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. Casual positions are less than 1,000 hours per year, usually non-continuous, irregular and infrequent.

• Support program office activities, working closely with the civil servant team in an advisory role including development, testing, and operations support
• Attend various meetings and conferences, both regularly scheduled and intermittent
• Serve as a highly proactive advisory specialist, understanding issues and formulating options/recommendations, while working closely teams and across other offices, working groups, and panels
• Integrate with subject matter experts and stakeholders
• Develop periodic status reports and presentations
• Develop special reports/discussions of findings, issues, conclusions, recommendations, and risk assessments
• Formulate recommendations to senior‑level program management
• Perform other duties for the customer as required

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree or advanced degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline
• 12 or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience, including experience in a propulsion engineering and/or program management environment
• Ability to work in a quick‑paced, small core team that leads technical discussions across a large technical community and influences teams across the NASA enterprise
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
• Excellent teaming and leadership skills with an ability to multi‑task across various issues/disciplines simultaneously
• Excellent presentation and communications skills, including…