Moonbase Test and Evaluation and Partnerships Senior Engineer

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.  

We are looking for a Moonbase Test and Evaluation and Partnerships Sr. Engineer (Sr. Project Engineer- Systems Engineering). This position will support the Moonbase Program by developing and integrating test and evaluation activities for various efforts across Moonbase. In addition, this role will be responsible for establishing and facilitating partnerships that will drive facility expansion efforts in Houston with the Johnson Space Center and other local entities. 

This position is onsite at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX with the expectation that the selected candidate will work at least 4 days a week onsite, as the business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing  

Test and Evaluation Leadership: 

• Design, develop, and implement comprehensive test and evaluation (T&E) strategies for Moonbase systems, subsystems, and integrated operations (ex: ARGOS, AXES, and COASTER) 
• Lead cross-functional teams in planning and executing test campaigns, including hardware-in-the-loop, software validation, and integrated system testing 
• Develop test requirements, procedures, and acceptance criteria aligned with mission objectives and safety standards 
• Coordinate test schedules, resources, and facilities across multiple concurrent Moonbase efforts 
• Analyze test data, generate technical reports, and present findings to program leadership and stakeholders 
• Identify and mitigate technical risks through proactive testing and evaluation methodologies 
• Establish metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess system readiness and performance 

Partnership Development and Management 

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain strategic partnerships with Johnson Space Center (JSC), NASA centers, academic institutions, and industry partners 
• Lead negotiations and coordinate agreements (MOUs, Space Act Agreements, etc.) to support facility expansion and capability development 
• Serve as primary liaison between Moonbase Program and external partners in the Houston area as it relates to Test and Evaluation needs 
• Facilitate collaborative research, technology development, and testing opportunities with partner organizations 
• Coordinate joint use of facilities, equipment, and expertise to maximize program efficiency 

Facility Expansion Support 

• Support planning and requirements definition for test and evaluation facility expansion in Houston
• Coordinate with JSC and local entities to identify opportunities for co-location, shared infrastructure, or collaborative facilities 
• Contribute to business case development for facility investments and partnership arrangements 
• Interface with real estate, facilities, and program management teams to ensure alignment with expansion goals 

Program Integration 

• Collaborate with systems engineering, operations, and mission planning teams to ensure integrated approach to T&E 
• Participate in program reviews, milestone assessments, and technical interchange meetings 
• Support risk management activities and contribute to technical decision-making processes 
• Ensure T&E activities align with overall program schedule, budget, and objectives 
• Act as a representative in technical reviews, conferences, and workshops with NASA and international stakeholders 

What You Need to be Successful- Sr. Project Engineer- Systems Engineering   

Minimum Requirements:   

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or science 
• 10 or more years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, including experience in a systems engineering and program lifecycle environment 
• Experience leading partnership establishment with US government and engaging senior leaders and facilitating visits and engagements 
• Knowledge and understanding of the NASA program life cycle and associated milestone reviews and coordinating across teams to drive operations outcomes 
• Expansive experience leading and developing NASA Human In The Loop Testing systems and protocols 
• Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts and recommendations to personnel at all technical and managerial levels 
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders 
• Excellent presentation and communications skills, including development of and briefing of decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner 
• Experience working across diverse teams and multiple engineering disciplines, including human in the loop disciplines 
• Willing to travel occasionally to support customer needs   
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance 

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:  

• Advanced degree in engineering or science 
• Experience with NASA mission operations processes and teams 
• Background in designing and developing human based operations  
• Demonstrated success leading or executing technical and programmatic tasks for NASA missions 
• Experience coordinating with international partners and commercial vendors 
• Demonstrates enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.