Aerospace Engineer, AST, Aerospace Flight Systems

Full Job Description

As an AST, Aerospace Flight Systems (OB1 Deorbit Technical Manager) with the International Space Station Vehicle Office, you will be responsible for ensuring that the final deorbit of the International Space Station vehicle is safely executed.

You will lead a team responsible for developing and coordinating the deorbit concept of operations and requirements, including plans for altitude decay, propellant utilization, thruster selection, drag manipulation, and target demise location.

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, which has equipped you with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above.

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-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level: Leading aerospace flight systems projects, including concept mission planning and execution; Managing or coordinating teams across organizational boundaries; Applying systems engineering expertise to lead and optimize spacecraft trajectory operations.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience.

Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses.

Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process. Major Duties:

• Serve as the Deorbit Technical Manager for the International Space Station Vehicle Office, providing leadership and technical direction for deorbit planning for both the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) and the backup Russian Segment.
• Oversee development and integration of International Space Station deorbit requirements, concepts of operations, vehicle systems, and mission planning to ensure compliance with agency standards and safety requirements.
• Coordinate across multiple projects and stakeholders, both inside and outside of NASA, to manage risk, schedule, and resources for deorbit trajectory activities.
• Provide authoritative guidance on aerospace flight systems engineering principles and mission assurance.
• Represent the organization in high-level technical and programmatic reviews, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Works alongside contract aerospace engineers to perform various duties to incorporate new technologies, improve reliability, and ensure safe operations in new environments.