Aerospace Engineer - AST, Safety & Mission Assurance (Direct Hire

Summary

The Mishap Investigation Engineer serves as a subject matter expert supporting the NASA Safety Center's Mishap Prevention and Organizational Performance Office. Provides advanced engineering expertise in mishap and close call investigations, with primary emphasis on expert application and instruction of root cause analysis (RCA). Advises NASA and contractor organizations on conducting high-quality investigations ensuring technical accuracy, analytical rigor, and compliance with Agency policy.

The Mishap Investigation Engineer serves as a subject matter expert supporting the NASA Safety Center's Mishap Prevention and Organizational Performance Office. Provides advanced engineering expertise in mishap and close call investigations, with primary emphasis on expert application and instruction of root cause analysis (RCA). Advises NASA and contractor organizations on conducting high-quality investigations ensuring technical accuracy, analytical rigor, and compliance with Agency policy.

• Serve as a technical expert in root cause analysis, ensuring consistent application of rigorous RCA methodologies across NASA mishap and close call investigations.
• Lead and support mishap investigation boards by providing engineering analysis, investigative oversight, and expert guidance on causal determination and corrective actions.
• Develop, deliver, and continuously improve formal RCA and mishap investigation training; instruct both in-person and virtual courses for NASA and external organizations, with emphasis on practical application in accident investigation environments.
• Provide hands‑on support to active investigations, ensuring analyses are technically sound, evidence-based, and aligned with best practices in accident investigation and systems engineering.
• Review and evaluate mishap investigation reports to ensure root causes are properly identified, supported by data, and clearly linked to effective corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain Agency policies, standards, and guidance related to mishap investigations and RCA and contribute to the development of advanced tools and processes to strengthen the Agency’s mishap investigation and prevention capabilities.
• Conduct Mishap Program Health Assessments across NASA Centers, focusing on the quality and effectiveness of investigative processes and RCA implementation.
• Represent NASA on internal and external working groups related to mishap investigation, safety engineering, and root cause analysis.

Help

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• This position may require a one-year probationary/trial period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.
  ** See Additional Information section**
• You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation or higher-level clearance. Investigation/Clearance may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.
• Financial Disclosure, Drug Testing, and/or the Travel Requirements for this position may differ and be required based on the duty location/NASA Center requirements.

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.

To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level:

• Demonstrating expert-level proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., fault tree analysis,…