Human Spaceflight Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Serve in the program office and connect exploration topics for moonbase, nuclear, science, and Artemis transportation initiatives .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $100,300 - $175,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in systems engineering and mission operations, with a strong focus on human exploration architecture and technical leadership. Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, drive technical strategy, and deliver complex technical products while ensuring compliance with NASA requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Systems EngineeringTechnical LeadershipHuman Exploration ArchitectureRequirements DevelopmentTechnical Performance Metrics

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Systems EngineeringMission OperationsHuman Spaceflight ProgramsEngineering Program LifecycleRequirements DevelopmentDesign ReviewsVerification/Validation ProcessesTechnical BaselinesProgrammatic RisksMitigation Strategies

Soft Skills

Exceptional Presentation SkillsEffective CommunicationRelationship ManagementInfluencing Technical DecisionsCollaboration Across Teams

Tools & Technologies

Model-Based Systems EngineeringRequirements Management ToolsDigital Engineering Methodologies

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Citizenship for Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

NASAExploration OperationsTechnical AssessmentsSafety IntegrationTechnical Interchange Meetings

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve in the program office and connect exploration topics for moonbase, nuclear, science, and Artemis transportation initiatives
Define operational technical requirements for various programs
Perform assessments and readiness evaluations
Collaborate with NASA mission architects/designers and program experts across government and industry
Review contractor deliverables and NASA requirements to ensure compliance and system effectiveness
Contribute to standards development and documentation supporting exploration operations
Manage key program plans and products
Support facility and infrastructure-related topics and planning
Participate in technical, safety, and integration working groups
Develop technical and progress reports for internal teams and external partners
Support technical interchange meetings, hardware reviews, and key design milestones
Prepare clear, actionable reports and presentations for program offices
Lead complex technical efforts, manage cross-functional teams, and drive technical strategy across multiple programs for the Project Engineer role
Manage technical baselines, technical performance metrics, programmatic risks, and mitigation strategies for the Project Engineer role

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline
3 years of experience in systems engineering, mission operations, or human spaceflight programs
Proven experience in human exploration architecture, integration, and mission operations with demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks
Strong knowledge and application of the engineering program lifecycle, including requirements development, design reviews, and verification/validation processes
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, with proven ability to influence technical decisions
Exceptional presentation and communication skills, including the ability to express complex technical concepts to personnel at all technical and managerial levels
Proven ability to work across diverse teams and multiple engineering disciplines, including human-in-the-loop disciplines
Experience with systems engineering tools and methodologies (e.g., model-based systems engineering, requirements management tools)
Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering technical products and meeting program milestones
Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site, domestically and internationally, approximately 10-25%
This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
For Project Engineer- Systems Engineering: Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline; 6 years of experience in systems engineering, mission operations, or human spaceflight programs
Demonstrated technical leadership with proven ability to lead complex technical efforts, manage cross-functional teams, and drive technical strategy across multiple programs
Expert-level knowledge of the engineering program lifecycle with experience leading all phases from concept through operations
Proven ability to make final technical recommendations, manage technical baselines, and represent the organization in high-level technical forums with NASA, industry partners, and international stakeholders
Experience managing technical performance metrics, identifying programmatic risks, and developing mitigation strategies
Advanced proficiency with systems engineering tools and digital engineering methodologies

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect