Avionics Subject Matter Expert

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. 

This position falls under the NASA Programs Division (NPD) within CSG.  NPD is seeking an Avionics Subject Matter Expert (Senior Project Engineer- Software Architecture & Systems Software Engineering) to work closely with key stakeholders including government agencies, prime contractors, commercial vendors, and internal teams to define and implement robust avionics and software safety across complex systems.  The experienced Avionics SME will lead systems safety hazard analysis and flight software evaluation in support of human-rated spaceflight programs, including but not limited to NASA's SLS Artemis missions. This role involves authoring critical safety documentation, driving cross-functional technical reviews, and providing avionics expertise to ensure mission-critical systems meet rigorous flight readiness standards. The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge of avionics hardware/software with proven leadership in hazard analysis, requirements development, and risk assessment for complex aerospace vehicles. 

The selected candidate will be preferred to work full-time, on-site at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH or Huntsville, AL 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Author systems safety hazard analyses for avionics hardware and software, supporting major program milestones including Critical Design Review (CDR) and Design Certification Review (DCR). 

• Support flight software design review processes by developing recommended abort conditions and flight software requirements based on conceptual designs and avionics hardware specifications/schematics. 

• Lead and participate in weekly technical meetings with avionics and systems safety teams to evaluate problem reports, assess proposed resolutions, and support Certification of Flight Readiness (CoFR). 

• Analyze nonconforming avionics hardware/software and approve dispositions for closure across multiple programs. 

• Lead and participate in requirements tailoring, development, testing, and evaluation of flight systems; train and mentor junior engineers. 

• Review integrated avionics and flight software test results for nominal and off-nominal events, including flight control device performance (pitch, yaw, rotational stability). 

• Participate in major milestone reviews, trade studies, and technical/risk review boards to resolve engineering conflicts and support mission readiness decisions. 

• Evaluate flight software changes and coordinate cross-organizational impact assessments related to launch commit criteria, vehicle, flight termination, and structural integrity. 

• Develop and deliver technical training programs on avionics systems, data bus architecture, and historical/current flight control technologies. 

• Lead corrective action plans and mishap investigations in compliance with established safety procedures. 

What You Need to be Successful- Senior Project Engineer- Software Architecture & Systems Software Engineering

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in applicable STEM areas 

• At least 12 years of extensive experience authoring systems safety hazard analyses for avionics hardware and software in an aerospace or spaceflight environment. 

• Demonstrated experience supporting Critical Design Review (CDR), Design Certification Review (DCR), and Certification of Flight Readiness (CoFR) processes. 

• Strong working knowledge of avionics systems, including data buses (MIL-STD-1553, RS-422), flight control devices, and GN&C interfaces. 

• Experience developing and reviewing flight software requirements and recommending abort conditions based on hardware/software design. 

• Experience with hazard analysis methodologies, fault tree analysis, and risk assessment for crewed or human-rated aerospace vehicles. 

• Experience with quality assurance processes, nonconformance resolution, and corrective action planning in a regulated aerospace environment.
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related technical field 
• 15 or more years of extensive experience authoring systems safety hazard analyses for avionics hardware and software in an aerospace or spaceflight environment. 

• Direct experience supporting NASA Space Launch System (SLS), Artemis missions, or other human-rated launch vehicle programs. 

• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Enterprise Architect). 

• Background in nuclear propulsion systems, MEMS/NEMS fabrication, or advanced CFD/thermal analysis (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics). 

• Experience leading Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) or Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) simulation lab operations. 

• History of developing original training curricula and successfully delivering technical instruction across multiple organizational units. 

• Demonstrated ability to design and implement technical tools, automation solutions, or test facilities under resource constraints. 

• Published technical research or conference presentations in aerospace, propulsion, or sensor technology fields. 

• Relevant NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Technical Excellence Program (STEP) qualifications (e.g., System Safety, Software Assurance). 

• Experience with Agile development processes in a flight software or safety-critical systems environment. 

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.