Aerospace Engineer, AST, Flight Systems Engineer (Direct Hire)

Full Job Description

The Spaceflight Division at Ames Research Center is seeking skilled individuals to lead and perform research, analysis, and investigations of the motion mechanics of flight vehicles under applied forces of flight vehicles in various atmospheric, planetary, celestial and space environments.

Analyses and studies will result in recommendations and guidance on resolving complex problems involving mission design and operational regimens for spaceflight projects.

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-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Conducting trajectory or orbital engineering analyses to design mission profiles, evaluate flight system performance, or support spacecraft trajectory development; Applying aerospace engineering software tools or programming methods, such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT), Copernicus, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools, to perform modeling, simulation, or mission analysis; Supporting aerospace systems engineering activities, including the design, development, integration, testing, or evaluation of spacecraft, flight systems, robotics, or mission subsystems.

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:

• Conduct trajectory design and orbital engineering analysis for aerospace and aeronautical missions, including spacecraft trajectories, flight systems, vehicles, and payload architectures.
• Perform engineering trade studies and trajectory analyses for aerospace systems with multiple, competing mission and system requirements.
• Collaborate with project engineers and researchers to define flight mission engineering requirements, constraints, and performance objectives.
• Provide maneuver engineering support and trajectory design reviews for new and ongoing aerospace projects.
• Evaluate spacecraft subsystem engineering performance, including propulsion, guidance, navigation, control, sensors, power, and communications systems.
• Conduct engineering studies and develop technical reports addressing trajectory or system design performance and mission capability.