Expert Technical Contributor - Onyx CONNECT (Full-Time)

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Huntsville, AL / Titusville, FL / Houston, TX / Remote
Clearance: Preferred (Active or Eligible)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Aerospace | Defense | National Security | Spaceflight

About the Role

Onyx Aerospace is seeking a highly experienced Expert Technical Contributor to join our flagship Onyx CONNECT program. This full-time position is ideal for a former senior government technical leader —such as a NASA, NOAA, or DoD civil servant—who has transitioned from federal service (e.g., via the Deferred Resignation Program or similar) and is ready to continue driving innovation across space and defense missions.

This role offers a chance to work on cutting-edge programs—Artemis, SLS, Commercial LEO, and national defense platforms like Golden Dome and space situational awareness—while mentoring emerging teams and shaping future architectures. You’ll operate in an influential, high-trust role that draws on your deep subject matter knowledge, leadership experience, and strategic insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a principal technical advisor across NASA, defense, and commercial aerospace projects
• Lead or support systems engineering reviews, architecture assessments, and mission planning efforts
• Provide in-depth guidance on critical path technologies such as propulsion, avionics, flight software, safety, and crewed systems
• Contribute to program milestone decisions, technical strategy sessions, and customer briefings
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including government, industry, and academic partners
• Mentor early- and mid-career engineers, cultivating a culture of excellence and rigor

Areas of Technical Expertise (at least one required)

• Launch Vehicle & Propulsion Systems (e.g., RS-25, RL10, solid propulsion, tanks)
• Crewed Spaceflight Systems & Flight Operations (e.g., Orion, ISS, ECLSS, EVA)
• Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C), Autonomy
• Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I)
• Aerospace Software (Flight, Ground, AI/ML-based modeling or digital engineering)
• Cryogenics, Thermal, and Structural Systems
• National Security or Dual-Use Aerospace Programs (classified or unclassified)

Required Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in engineering, program integration, or operations within NASA, DoD, or similar agencies
• Former federal civil servant or FFRDC/government contractor with deep mission knowledge
• Demonstrated record of technical leadership, risk-informed decision-making, and cross-agency collaboration
• Ability to translate legacy systems expertise into forward-looking architectures
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, mentoring approach
• Active or previous security clearance (preferred but not required)

Why Join Onyx CONNECT?

• Strategic Impact: Apply your lifetime of experience to solve today’s most critical mission challenges
• Flexibility with Fulfillment: Work full-time in a role designed around your strengths and long-term goals
• Mission-Centric Culture: Join a company that values honesty, integrity, and customer mission success above all
• Technical Legacy: Leave your mark by shaping programs that define the future of U.S. aerospace leadership
• Trusted Relationships: Operate within an agile team trusted by NASA, DoD, and commercial space leaders