ADV000CNP Spacecraft Parachute Lead Engineer (J) in Houston, Texas at Aerodyne Industries

Aerodyne Industries is a dynamic, rapidly growing engineering and information technology services firm headquartered on Florida’s exciting Space Coast. With location 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.

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Spacecraft Parachute Lead Engineer to join the team with JETS II.

The Spacecraft Parachute Lead Engineer will:

• Serve as a parachute lead for a spacecraft parachute system, providing oversight of the design, development, test, integration, verification, and validation for Commercial Crew Program (CCP)
• Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the spacecraft parachute system design trades, tests, operational mission constraints and risks
• Organize and lead inter-disciplinary independent verification and validation (IV&V) activities to ensure that the parachute behavior is adequately characterized to support impacted requirements using modeling and flight-testing techniques
• Support requirements verification, IFA investigations, design change evaluations
• Interface with key stakeholders including but not limited to the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) Office, the CCP Integrated Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics System Manager, NASA JSC Safety and Mission Assurance group, and NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC)
• Maintain a repository of key discussion points and facilitate weekly internal meetings with NASA stakeholders and biweekly discussion with spacecraft stakeholders
• Perform other duties as required.

Resumes, in month and year format, must be submitted with application in order to be considered for the position.

Qualifications

Requisition Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

• Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Engineering and normally possess 5- 10 years of related experience. License and certification may be required.
• Familiarity with the details of current spacecraft capsule parachute systems
• Organizing, planning, and/or managing technical activities for the purpose of accomplishing defined objectives within schedule and budget constraints
• Knowledge of adjacent disciplines of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and loads & dynamics
• Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to present technical data, concepts, and recommendations to personnel at all technical and managerial levels
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment consisting of NASA civil servants and various contractor employees.

Requisition Preferences:

• MS or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering
• Extensive knowledge of principles, and practices involved in the definition, design, development, integration, test, manufacturing, and operations of parachute recovery systems
• Extensive experience with ground testing of textile components and assemblies
• Expertise in interpretation of ground test and flight data
• Experience with wind tunnel testing
• Experience with extracting aerodynamic data from flight testing

Why Join Our Team?

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

• Excellent personal and professional career growth
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
• Much, much more!

Additional Information

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).

Equipment and Machines

Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

Attendance

Regular attendance in accordance with the established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Other Essential Functions

Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

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.

Salary Range Statement

Final compensation is determined through a comprehensive evaluation of several key factors, including the candidate’s educational background, specialized technical expertise, and relevant professional experience. We also consider internal equity, prevailing market data, and specific contractual or funding requirements to ensure competitive and equitable offer alignment.