SR PROJECT STAFF ENGINEER in Greenbelt, Maryland at Aerodyne Industries

Aerodyne Industries is a dynamic, rapidly growing engineering and information technology services firm headquartered on Florida’s exciting Space Coast. With locations throughout the US, we take pride in delivering small business agility with large corporation capabilities. Our list of clients count on us to prepare NASA’s Missions to the Moon and Mars and to defend our nation supporting the Missile Defense Agency and Department of Defense.  Join the adventure of a lifetime by becoming a teammate with Aerodyne Industries and work on projects that will define our future.

Aerodyne Industries is currently seeking a Senior Project Staff Engineer to join our team supporting the Habitable Worlds Observatory project at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. At GSFC, Aerodyne Industries provides engineering services for the branches within the Mechanical Systems Division of the GSFC Applied Engineering and Technology Directorate (AETD) as well as for many flight projects.

The position includes the following duties in support of Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) project at NASA GSFC; for all duties, the role includes lead/mentor as well as individual contributor functions.

• Contribute to Wavefront Sensing & Control Strategies: Perform conceptual design, development, and implementation of wavefront sensing capabilities, algorithms, and processes required to align and phase highly complex, segmented space telescopes; this includes modeling and simulation for end-to-end phasing simulations and integrated modeling to optimize telescope performance and establish robust alignment procedures prior to launch
• Algorithm & Software Development: Design, develop, and test advanced algorithms, phase retrieval tools, and phase diversity solutions for optical alignment and end-to-end system characterization for a large space telescope with segmented primary mirror
• Testbed & Rapid Prototyping: Serve as a Principal Investigator or technical lead for sub-scale optical models and testbeds; oversee the maturation of critical optical technologies, demonstrating and achieving advanced Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) in flight-like environments
• Lead the cross-functional commissioning team in the critical alignment and phasing of the large space telescope with segmented primary mirror

Job Requirements:

• Minimum 30 years of progressive, highly specialized experience in active and adaptive optics research, wavefront science, and telescope performance optimization
• Demonstrated hands-on experience and past success in the alignment, phasing, and commissioning of large-scale segmented telescopes
• Proven track record of pioneering optical technologies and successfully leading complex optical testbeds to achieve TRL-6 or higher for space applications
• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in engineering or related field; advanced degree/s preferred
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment and communicate effectively with colleagues (written and oral)

US EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.