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Posted: February 19, 2026 (2 days ago)

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General Engineer, AST, Launch and Flight Operations (Direct Hire)

John F. Kennedy Space Center

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Fresh

Location

Salary

$107,228 - $139,398

per year

Closes

February 25, 2026

GS-13 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $88,520 - $115,079

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-12. Expert-level knowledge in field.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading test operations for NASA's space missions, including planning, executing, and overseeing tests for rocket launches and spacecraft recovery at the Kennedy Space Center.

The role requires directing teams during high-stakes activities like countdowns and integrated system checks for programs such as Artemis, SLS, and Orion.

It's a great fit for experienced engineers who thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments with a strong background in aerospace testing and leadership.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 level in control room operations for pre-launch, launch, in-orbit, and recovery missions
  • Providing technical guidance on test operations related to aerospace or aeronautics
  • Integrating diverse, multi-contractor, and multi-organization teams to achieve program goals
  • Basic Education Requirement for engineering (typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field from an accredited institution)
  • Experience leading critical test operations, planning, execution, and lessons learned reviews
  • Ability to negotiate with stakeholders on test content, requirements, procedures, and support needs
  • Strong leadership in visible test operations during integrated testing, launch countdowns, and recovery

Full Job Description

The Test, Launch and Recovery Operations Management Branch of the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) is responsible for test planning, integration, scheduling, implementation, and leadership of the test operations associated with Integrated Systems Verification and Validation, Flight and Ground Systems Integrated Testing, Launch and Recovery Operations for SLS, Orion and EGS programs.

Serves as a NASA Test Director (NTD) and provide direction and guidance to the team during test operations.

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: Performing Control Room operations for pre-launch, launch, in-orbit and recovery operations missions that may include headset, radio, remote, monitoring, go/no-go; Providing technical guidance on test operations as it relates to aerospace/aeronautics; Integrating a diverse, multi-contractor, multi-organization team to meet program/project goals.

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:

  • Leads critical test operations for the Artemis missions.
  • Plans test operations, the execution of test operations, and the review of lessons learned from test operations.
  • Negotiates with the various stakeholder organizations for test content, the review of requirements to insure they are implementable, the development of test procedures and the identification of support requirements.
  • During the execution of test operations, provides authoritative direction for complex testing operations planning, requirements integration, procedure planning, and technical integration of the SLS, Orion and EGS Program needs.
  • Provides leadership of highly visible test operations during Integrated Testing, Launch Countdown and Recovery operations at the discretion of the office chief.
  • Develops operations concepts and influences the test planning and strategy for flight and ground hardware to meet flight and mission objectives.
  • Uses good judgement and technical experience, identify potential issues affecting EGS and other stakeholders and effectively communicating and integrating the information.
  • Provides direction for complex testing operations planning, requirements integration, procedure planning, and technical integration during execution of test operations of Program needs.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/19/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/19/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: KSC-26-DE-12886472-ST