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.
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.
This position falls under the NASA Programs Division (NPD) within CSG. NPD is seeking an Avionics Subject Matter Expert (Senior Project Engineer- Software Architecture & Systems Software Engineering) to work closely with key stakeholders including government agencies, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams to define and implement robust avionics and software safety across complex systems. The experienced Avionics SME will lead systems safety hazard analysis and flight software evaluation in support of human-rated spaceflight programs, including but not limited to NASA's SLS Artemis missions. This role involves authoring critical safety documentation, driving cross-functional technical reviews, and providing avionics expertise to ensure mission-critical systems meet rigorous flight readiness standards. The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge of avionics hardware/software with proven leadership in hazard analysis, requirements development, and risk assessment for complex aerospace vehicles.
The selected candidate will be preferred to work full-time, on-site at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH or Huntsville, AL
What You'll Be Doing
Author systems safety hazard analyses for avionics hardware and software, supporting major program milestones including Critical Design Review (CDR) and Design Certification Review (DCR).
Support flight software design review processes by developing recommended abort conditions and flight software requirements based on conceptual designs and avionics hardware specifications/schematics.
Lead and participate in weekly technical meetings with avionics and systems safety teams to evaluate problem reports, assess proposed resolutions, and support Certification of Flight Readiness (CoFR).
Analyze nonconforming avionics hardware/software and approve dispositions for closure across multiple programs.
Lead and participate in requirements tailoring, development, testing, and evaluation of flight systems; train and mentor junior engineers.
Review integrated avionics and flight software test results for nominal and off-nominal events, including flight control device performance (pitch, yaw, rotational stability).
Participate in major milestone reviews, trade studies, and technical/risk review boards to resolve engineering conflicts and support mission readiness decisions.
Evaluate flight software changes and coordinate cross-organizational impact assessments related to launch commit criteria, vehicle, flight termination, and structural integrity.
Develop and deliver technical training programs on avionics systems, data bus architecture, and historical/current fligh
