Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer P1

About the Role

This Early Career Spaceflight Hardware Propulsion Engineer position supports NASA as an Oceaneering Teammate on the JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract, specifically within the Power and Propulsion Projects section of the Engineering Department. The role offers immersion in human spaceflight and deep space exploration programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, structures, and machine-design principles to propulsion and spacecraft pressure systems.
• Support the design and analysis of propulsion-system components and assemblies.
• Perform or review fluid-flow, pressure-system, thermodynamic, and thermal analyses.
• Develop models, calculations, and data-analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering software.
• Develop or review engineering drawings and three-dimensional models using CAD software.
• Support system architecture studies and technical trade assessments.
• Assist with the selection of materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly processes.
• Participate in propulsion-hardware assembly and integration, including work in laboratory or cleanroom-like environments.
• Support component- and system-level test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Assist with acceptance, qualification, environmental, and space-representative testing.
• Review test data, technical reports, drawings, requirements, and verification documents.
• Help investigate hardware anomalies, nonconformances, and unexpected test results.
• Support the preparation and closure of action items, variances, hazard reports, change documentation, and other certification products.
• Assess how component designs, changes, or anomalies may affect the propulsion system or spacecraft.
• Support compliance with pressure-system safety, hardware cleanliness, and contamination-control requirements.
• Assist with propulsion-system integration into spacecraft or test vehicles.
• Participate in mission simulations, vehicle checkouts, console activities, or flight operations as assigned.
• Coordinate technical work with engineers, technicians, analysts, project personnel, suppliers, and contractor organizations.
• Prepare and present clear technical status updates, analyses, and recommendations.
• Travel to supplier, test, integration, launch, or program locations when required.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
• Foundational knowledge of mechanical systems and engineering materials.
• Ability to apply engineering principles to technical problems.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, requirements, test procedures, and engineering data.
• Familiarity with engineering analysis, programming, or data-processing tools.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and verbally.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and collaborative teams.
• Willingness to participate in both analytical and hands-on engineering activities.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar systems, software tools, and engineering processes.
• Willingness to move among branch assignments as organizational priorities change.
• Ability to work safely and maintain technical discipline in laboratory, test, integration, and operational environments.
• Ability and willingness to travel when required by the assignment.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering with experience in the field or in a related area.
• Preferred: Academic, internship, research, or professional experience involving propulsion, fluid systems, pressure systems, thermal systems, or spacecraft hardware.
• Preferred: Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or comparable analysis tools.
• Preferred: Familiarity with CAD software, including Creo or a comparable platform.
• Preferred: Experience collecting, processing, reducing, or interpreting test data.
• Preferred: Experience with laboratory testing, hardware assembly, or prototype development.
• Preferred: Familiarity with valves, regulators, tanks, filters, sensors, pressure vessels, or fluid-system components.
• Preferred: Familiarity with aerospace materials, manufacturing, and fabrication methods.
• Preferred: Exposure to acceptance, qualification, thermal-vacuum, vibration, or other environmental testing.
• Preferred: Familiarity with requirements verification, hazard analysis, configuration management, or flight-hardware certification.
• Preferred: Interest in human spaceflight, small-spacecraft development, or spacecraft mission operations.

Additional Notes

• International travel may be required.
• Possible straight time overtime and a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off).
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement.
• 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.
• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time).
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
• Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical.
• Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
• 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.