Propulsion Engineer

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.

Propulsion Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/ Project Engineer) – Propulsion Engineering in the Propulsion Department, 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 (CSG) to work with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) Engineering Directorate’s Propulsion and Power Systems Division on the Gateway Program.

This is a full‑time position based at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX, which requires 100% onsite work.

• Provide support for the overall technical development, certification, and verification of the integrated propulsion systems of multiple space vehicles
• Work with a team of engineers who work within the NASA project office, US Prime Contractors, and international partners, to assess the design and safe operation of propulsion systems for manned vehicles
• Ensure the technical certification of multiple propulsion systems. This entails working with a team whose overall responsibility is to articulate, define, and perform integrated technical analysis, perform rigorous oversight of propulsion components within the system, and review component test and verification plans
• Actively support the creation, review, and closure of hazard reports, integrated hazard analysis, component variances, and waiver rationale
• Create program risk packages, the formulation of risk mitigation proposals, and if necessary, the formation and elevation of dissenting opinion packages in support of the program chief engineer
• Perform risk mitigation tasks and strategic project management by identifying potential areas of risk mitigation for the visiting vehicles propulsion system and then formulating the details of, advocating for, and ultimately executing these risk mitigation efforts
• Track delivery/review of and assist the team with assessment s of the various certification deliverables from the prime contractor for each mission (qualification test plans/reports, acceptance test plans/reports, variances, design changes, software changes, Product Assurance Actions, hazard…