Gateway Communications Hardware Systems 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.  

Within the Houston site, the Human Exploration and Space Flight (HESF) Division supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. We are looking for a Communications Hardware Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/Senior Project Engineer - Communication Systems Engineering) to support the development of the Gateway lunar space station. In this role, you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center with systems engineering and integration services and work with the Gateway Avionics team to manage test and verification, and requirements validation activities for the Communications subsystem for this spacecraft in support of all Artemis missions. You will be responsible for providing technical expertise and leadership in the design, development, and execution of tests for radio frequency devices and systems, ensuring they meet performance specs, analyzing data, troubleshooting issues, and creating test procedures, involving wireless protocols like CCSDS. You will also provide operational support during missions and will be responsible for ensuring reliable communication between the spacecraft and ground systems throughout its lifecycle, including launch, on-orbit operations, and landing. 

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  

• Develop and execute tests of RF devices and systems, including signal analysis devices like VNAs and analyzing data to troubleshoot issues 

• Perform/Oversee integrated analysis and testing of spacecraft communications systems, hardware, and software in relation to other systems, operational environment, and required capabilities 

• Review and assess communication requirements and Verification & Validation (V&V) plans for Communications System impacts, including integrated testing, analysis, and decomposition 

• Communicate spacecraft Communications subsystem architectures and assess impacts of changes to requirements, V&V, integrated testing, designs, and program decisions

• Identify, communicate, track, and mitigate Communications subsystem risks 

• Lead and oversee component and subsystem-level trade studies to inform decision-making 

• 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 - Communication Systems Engineering:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline 

• 6 or more years of experience with communications hardware systems, including design and testing tools 

• Expertise in communications hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols 

• Experience working with various space-to-ground communications protocols, such as CCSDS 

• Familiarity with avionic system safety, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and fault tolerance analysis 

• Working knowledge of NASA standard practices and requirements 

• Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures 

• Willing to travel domestically as needed 

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer - Communication Systems Engineering are:

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

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering or closely related field

• Expertise in building on NASA Human Spaceflight topics and safety matters 

• Experience with spacecraft communications systems in both a testing and operational scenario