Optical Systems Specialist

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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Job Summary
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.
Within the CSG, the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for an Optical Systems Specialist (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Engineering Integration/Technical Project Management). In this role you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center Engineering Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division (AFMD) as an Optical Systems specialist. The AFMD provides technical leadership in the engineering disciplines of aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics; guidance, navigation, and control flight performance; mission design; and autonomous systems. The division provides engineering design, development, testing, and evaluation for all phases of space flight (ascent, entry, orbit, and interplanetary) and for all types of human spacecraft.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business and customer needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Conduct thorough analysis of mission data to identify potential enhancements to optical systems, focusing on improving safety, reliability, and efficiency

• Support the analysis, development, acquisition, and testing of optical communication systems, and associate ground optical terminal systems

• Provide cross functional collaboration with other engineering teams including Flight Controls, Software, and crew interfaces to ensure the seamless integration of the EDL systems

• Regularly present complex technical findings, project developments, and innovations to a diverse range of stakeholders, including team members, external partners, and public audiences

• Perform evaluation of operational needs and verification of mission plans

• Serve as a highly proactive technical specialist while working closely across various engineering disciplines, flight operations, crew office, commercial providers and program teams, working groups and panels to ensure visiting vehicle success

• Lead forums and venues to formulate and prepare technical findings and recommendations

• Coordinate and evaluate technical objectives, requirements, interfaces, standards, issues

• Perform other duties for the customer as required

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer- Engineering Integration/Technical Project Management

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical, astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is required

• 8 years of experience in optical communications link analysis, modeling and simulation tools, and fiber optic communication systems, or laser-based optical/instrumentation systems

• Demonstrated knowledge of optical modulation, coding, and framing formats for fiber optic and free space optical links, and relevant industry standards

• Working knowledge of optical networking

• Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB

• Working knowledge of optimization theory and advanced numerical methods

• Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)

• This position requires 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 Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Integration/Technical Project Management include:
At least 10+ years' experience with NASA or on NASA commercial systems
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering or closely related field desired

• Direct experience (3+ years) on space optical communication programs in the commercial domain, from either space and/or ground terminal aspect

• Expertise in building on NASA Human Spaceflight topics and safety matters

• Successful track record in designing, testing, and implementing systems for interplanetary or lunar missions

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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.