Systems Development Engineer - NASA

Overview

The Senior Advanced Systems Development Engineer provides high-level engineering expertise in the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced aerospace systems at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC).

This position involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex system integrations, and ensuring compliance with NASA, FAA, and DoD standards. The role requires deep knowledge of flight and ground systems engineering, structural health monitoring (SHM), and advanced aerospace system development.

**This is a pipeline requisition designed to collect resumes for potential upcoming work at AMERICAN SYSTEMS and does not represent a current opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted when an opening/funding becomes available**

Responsibilities

Advanced Flight and Ground System Engineering:• Lead the design, integration, and testing of flight research systems.• Develop and manage system architectures, block diagrams, and interface control documents (ICDs).• Perform requirements derivation, allocation, and traceability for complex aerospace systems.• Support verification and validation (V&V) testing to ensure system compliance with NASA and FAA regulations.• Manage risk assessment and mitigation strategies for flight systems and safety-critical components.

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and System Safety:• Develop and implement SHM strategies for aircraft structural integrity assessments.• Utilize advanced sensors and predictive analytics for fault detection and prevention.• Oversee testing, calibration, and analysis of SHM technologies for flight-critical applications.

Systems Engineering and Integration:• Define and manage system requirements, risk management, and integration strategies.• Oversee software and hardware integration for avionics, propulsion, and control systems.• Conduct airworthiness evaluations, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and hazard analysis.• Ensure compliance with NASA Systems Engineering Handbook (NASA/SP-2007-6105, Rev 1) and flight certification requirements.

Leadership, Research, and Project Management:• Serve as technical lead and mentor for engineering teams and junior engineers.• Drive research and development (R&D) initiatives, supporting NASA’s aerospace advancements.• Lead design reviews, risk assessments, and strategic planning for flight test programs.• Coordinate with NASA engineers, government contractors, and research institutions to align project goals.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physical Science with 7+ years of experience, or• Master’s degree in Engineering or Physical Science with 4+ years of experience.• Experience in aerospace engineering, flight research, or NASA-related programs is required.

Technical Skills & Knowledge:• Expertise in aerospace systems engineering, including avionics, aerodynamics, and structural analysis.• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, CAD software, and data analysis tools.• Extensive experience with NASA flight test processes, aerospace system integration, and flight safety regulations.• Strong background in SHM, predictive maintenance, and aircraft sensor integration.• Knowledge of FAA, NASA, and DoD safety and certification requirements.

Soft Skills & Work Environment:• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and manage complex projects.• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.• Excellent technical communication and presentation skills for both internal and external stakeholders.• Ability to travel as required for technical reviews, test flights, and NASA research engagements.• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Work Environment & Additional Information:• Primary work location: NASA AFRC at Edwards AFB.• Working hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday-Thursday, with alternating Fridays off.• Must comply with NASA ISO AS9100 procedures and all relevant aerospace regulations.• Travel might be required for design reviews, technical meetings, and flight test support.

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