Spacecraft Ground Communications 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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

VSD partners closely with the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division in support of NASA customers across all aspects of human space flight. Currently, we are looking for a Ground Communications Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer – Communication Systems and Systems Engineering) to support NASA’s SCaN (Space Communications and Navigation) Program. This group operates and manages the communications and navigation systems that are critical to every NASA mission.

From unmanned probes like James Webb to human spacecraft like the lunar lander or Artemis missions, this role is critical to connecting assets in space to us back here on Earth.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX.

• Creating communication systems for spaceflight vehicles, focusing on ground data systems, mission analysis and flight planning

• Designing, building, maintaining and operating ground‑based systems (antennas, networks, software) that connect spacecraft to Earth

• Integrating, diagnosing and troubleshooting radio frequency and optical systems, IT and mechanical systems in real time

• Providing expertise in support of system upgrade architecture studies, including potential use of commercial data relay systems

• Supporting and maintaining large antennas and ground networks like the Deep Space Network (DSN) and Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)

• Ensuring secure and efficient data flow from spacecraft to Earth

• Conducting system safety and reliability analyses on ground‑based systems and proposed upgrade architectures

• Maintain productive working relationships with cross‑program technical teams, including engineering, safety, flight operations, crew office, and more

• Present to appropriate boards, panels, or technical/status meetings as needed

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics or related engineering discipline

• 6+ years of experience with space‑related ground systems

• Experience working system lifecycle processes, flight hardware, networking engineering, Deep Space Network or Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System

• Familiarity with avionics hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols

• Working knowledge of NASA standard practices and requirements

• Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship

• Willing to travel domestically as needed

• 10+ years of total experience in space‑related ground systems

• Experience developing and briefing decision packages and complex information

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.)…