Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Hardware Integration Engineer

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.  

In Houston, the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for an experienced Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Hardware Integration Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) to support the EVA Systems Branch in the development, integration, and mission assurance of and across EVA systems. In this role, you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center with systems engineering and integration services and work with the NASA EVA Systems Branch in the assessment of new EVA systems, vehicle-to-EVA system and EVA equipment interfaces through the analysis of vendor data, troubleshooting issues, and on-ground testing, as needed. You will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Human Landing System (HLS) vehicle EVA equipment and interface requirements, design, safety, and flight readiness reviews. You will lead teams of engineers and technicians in conducting engineering insight activities for vehicle EVA equipment and interfaces. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Conduct design assessments and determine if EVA mission requirements have been met.  Identify and analyze gaps between EVA systems and other mission systems. Support HLS program decisions to resolve conflicts involving the EVA System

• Provide subject matter expertise and coordination with subject matter experts for EVA equipment and interfaces at vehicle milestone reviews and on an as-needed basis

• Provide EVA technical point of contact support for Design Verification Objective (DVO) Verification Event (VE) reviews, verification, and validation evidence collection for Certificate of Flight Readiness 

• Perform EVA Safety and Mission Assurance focused evaluations: focusing on provider integration of EVA Hazards, Causes, Controls, Verifications, Fault Tolerance incorporation in HLS design 

• Coordinate with HLS discipline leads/system managers for vehicle systems like Structures & Mechanisms, Thermal, Avionics, RF, and Power Systems as they relate to EVA systems 

• Knowledge of space flight certification processes to ensure performance and safety requirements are met (including knowledge of NPR 7120, EA-WI-023, or equivalent processes) 

• Maintain productive working relationships with cross-program technical teams, including engineering, safety, flight operations, crew office, and module providers 

• Present to appropriate boards, panels, or technical/status meetings as needed 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical engineering or closely related engineering discipline 

• 6 or more years of experience in EVA hardware systems 

• Experience in system safety, Computer-Base Control Systems (CBCS), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and fault tolerance analysis 

• Familiarity with aerospace hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols 

• Working knowledge of NASA standard practices and requirements 

• Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures 

• Proven expertise in managing multiple concurrent tasks and excellent problem-solving skills 

• Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment 

• Willing to travel domestically as needed 

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer are:

• 10 or more years of experience in EVA hardware systems 

• Experience developing and briefing decision packages and complex information in a succinct and polished manner 

How You Can Stand Out  

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

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in mechanical, electrical engineering or closely related field

• Expertise in EVA systems hardware and interfaces 

• Knowledge of NASA program life cycle 

• Experience performing in or leading technical and programmatic tasks for NASA