Chief Engineer, Exploration Ground Systems
Compensation
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Job Description
Summary
The Chief Engineer (CE) for Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program provides engineering expertise, Engineering Technical Authority (ETA), and technical advice to Agency management regarding launch systems development and launch vehicle/spacecraft processing for Artemis launch systems and spacecraft, including Space Launch System (SLS), Orion, and launch systems/infrastructure unique to other Government users and commercial launch providers as they pertain to the exploration grounds systems.
- Salary
- $150,160 to - $215,180 per year
- Pay scale & grade
- SL 00
Who Can Apply
The area of consideration for this position is open to current NASA civil service employees on career, career conditional, or NASA term appointments with conversion eligibility. A person is considered to be in the civil service only if occupying a civil service position at the time of application.
Duties
The Chief Engineer (CE) for the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program reports to KSC's Engineering Director.
The Chief Engineer, Exploration Ground Systems:
- Defines operational requirements and researches, develops, performs analyses of, integrates, and evaluates aerospace and aeronautical flight systems, vehicles, payloads, and ground support systems as a part of the development of some or all aspects of flight systems or projects.
- Directs the technical activities within the Engineering organization and supporting stakeholders. The EGS CE integrates the activities of Artemis ground systems development and operational input to design of flight systems, including Orion and the Space Launch System, as well as activities with contractors performing engineering, development, and operations at KSC.
- Responsible for the technical excellence and implementation of ETA that utilizes Agency-wide engineering capability to address Artemis ground processing issues.
- Leads the EGS engineering team comprised of civil servants and contractors (system managers, subsystem managers, system engineers, project engineers, software developers, and analysts) in the generation of options and balanced technical recommendations to resolve technical issues and brings them forward to management for resolution. Communicates/elevates issues and resolution plans to Engineering Directorate management, NASA Office of the Chief Engineer, and EGS Program Management.
- Leads and manages multi-discipline technical teams to resolve complex technical problems, implements the ETA process formal dissents are heard and properly addressed in accordance with Agency guidelines and the KSC Technical Authority Implementation Plan.
- Serves as the Engineering Directorate technical representative to the EGS Program, responsible for defining Artemis operational ground requirements, performing analyses, integrating, and evaluating flight systems, vehicles, payloads, and ground support systems to ensure EGS readiness for Artemis (EGS, SLS, and Orion) ground operations, launch, and post launch activities. Responsible for evaluating technical issues and requirements and for providing the optimal technical solutions or alternatives for to meet Artemis milestones and Agency goals.
- Serves as a member of the KSC Senior Management Team.
Requirements
- The individual selected will be required to file an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report' (OGE-278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
- Successful completion of a background investigation commensurate with the risk and sensitivity level of the position.
- Successful completion of random drug screening may be required.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by the position.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Candidates must be a recognized subject matter expert with at least 1 year of directly related experience equivalent to the GS-15 level in technical engineering management that includes the design and development of human-rated space flight projects and ground operations. Also experience in performing independent in-depth technical assessments, analyses, and producing technical engineering solutions.
Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement, or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the position. NASA strictly prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tools to draft application or assessment responses. For more information, please refer to NASA's guidance: https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, your resume must also address each of the Senior Level (SL) Evaluation Criteria listed below. Failure to address these criteria will result in your application being rated ineligible. For the full definition of the SL Evaluation Criteria please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/executiveleadership/. Please include your full name on all documents submitted.
SL EVALUATION CRITERIA:
1. Technical Excellence and Contributions
- Experience/Accomplishments
- Technical and Strategic Problem Solving
- Information Transfer
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in engineering, physical science, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, or other field of science.
An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Evaluation
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
All qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Applicants that meet minimum eligibility requirements outlined in the Qualifications and Education (if applicable) sections of the vacancy announcement will be referred to an executive panel for further evaluation. The panel reviews and evaluates the candidate's resume. Candidates may receive an interview for further evaluation and/or be asked to provide a list of references. The panel will make a recommendation to the appropriate approving authority.
You will be assessed on the following competencies:
- Technical Work and Team Management
- Partnering
- Technical Competence
- Creativity and Innovation
- Planning and Evaluating
- Problem Solving
- Teaching Others
Required Documents
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may be removed from consideration for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible). Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience (start/end dates stated in month/year, description of duties), applicable education at a minimum, and your contact information. Your 2-page resume should also address the SL Evaluation Criteria. For current or previous Federal employees, it should also include the Pay Plan, Series and Grade for each work experience entry.
Please see this guidance: . Note: if any of the following types of information are included on your resume, your application package may be disqualified:
- Classified or government sensitive information.
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Photos of yourself
- Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
- Encrypted and digitally signed documents.
VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USAJOBS when you apply to this vacancy.
You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your eligibility and the information provided in your application package. For example, we may request transcripts, SF-50s, etc. Therefore, we encourage you to have these documents prepared and ready when requested. If you fail to provide the required documents within the stated time period, we may withdraw a job offer and/or remove you from further consideration.
Job Details
- Department
- Mechanical
- Category
- Operations
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Kennedy Space Center, Florida
- Posted
- Dec 17, 2025, 12:00 AM
- Compensation
- $150,160 - $215,180 per year
About NASA
Part of the growing space industry ecosystem pushing humanity toward interplanetary exploration.
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