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.
The Civil Systems Group is seeking a highly motivated and accomplished EVA / EHP System Engineering and Integration (SEI) Lunar Surface Mission Evaluation Room (MER) Development Lead (Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) .This position will support the NASA Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) and Human Surface Mobility Program's (EHP) System Engineering and Integration (SEI) Mission Analysis & Performance (MAP) team - part of the Artemis portfolio at the NASA Johnson Space Center. On this team, you will provide Mission Evaluation Room Development leadership and support.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at Johnson Space Center in Houston TX
What You'll Be Doing
- Support the EHP SEI MAP team at NASA Johnson Space Center, which is responsible for Artemis Lunar Surface Phase mission development, task definition & prioritization and coordination of analysis items for EVA tasks
- The Lunar Surface Mission Evaluation Room (MER) Development Lead will lead the end-to-end development of the Lunar Surface MER that will support Artemis Lunar Surface Phase operations. This role is responsible for defining MER scope, architecture, staffing, training, and integration across NASA and vendor teams to ensure readiness for real-time support by Summer 2026.
- Key Responsibilities :
- Lead the development and implementation of the Lunar Surface MER architecture and operational model
- Define MER scope, console roles, and interfaces across EHP, Moon To Mars (M2M), the Flight Operations Directorate (FOD), other NASA Programs and vendor teams
- Develop and maintain Work Instructions, Training & Certification Plans, and Console Role Definitions
- Chair the Cross-Program MER Working Group (CPMWG) to align MER functions across Artemis programs
- Coordinate with facility, IT, and tool development teams to ensure MER infrastructure readiness
- Support identification, onboarding, and certification of MER Managers and Console Leads
- Track MER development milestones and ensure alignment with Artemis integrated sim and launch readiness timelines
- Represent the MER in program-level forums and cross-directorate coordination efforts
What You Need to be Successful - Project Engineer- Systems Engineering
Minimum Requirements :
Demonstrated experience supporting real-time operations (e.g., MER, FCT, anomaly resolution)Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, or another related STEM discipline(Masters preferred)At least 6 years of increasingly responsible professional engineering / scientific experience, including experience in systems engineering, technical interfaces, and NASA program management environmentCollaborate with other team members responsible for requirements and interfaces that are related to verification and validation in addition to working with stakeholders from other programs / projectsHave excellent communication and coordination skills in working with others and presenting in front of boardsDemonstrated experience integrating multiple teams and complex systemsAbility to work in a quick-paced team that leads technical discussions across a large technical community and influences teams across the NASA enterpriseInitiative and demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customersExcellent teaming and leadership skills with an ability to multi-task across various issues / disciplines simultaneouslyExperience and knowledge of NASA's System Engineering and Integration means and methodologiesWilling to travel if needed, approx. 5-10%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 :
Prior experience developing or managing a MER or similar real-time support environmentPrevious experience in the MER (Shuttle or ISS)Preferably as a MER Manager but extensive console experience is acceptableExperience with dynamic operations (i.e. EVA or Visiting Vehicle mission) planning processesFamiliarity with NASA Work Instruction development and certification processesKnowledge and understanding of the NASA program life cycle and associated milestone reviewsDemonstrated successful experience performing or leading technical and programmatic tasks for NASAProven ability to interact effectively with government and contractor personnelExperience with International Partner and / or Commercial vendor integration and coordinationPrevious experience developing technical training and certification standards for a multidisciplinary teamLeadership 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 StrategicallyLead ChangeEngage with ImpactFoster InnovationDeliver ResultsWays 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 plansPaid holidays, sick time, and vacationStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options401(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 hireFlexible spending accountsVariable pay program for exceptional contributionsRelocation assistanceProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your careerEducation assistance programsA work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respectWe 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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .