Senior Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

This Senior Systems Engineer supports NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) Program on the Amentum ESSCA contract. The key purposes of the position are to perform System Engineering activities associated with the development, integration and verification of:

• SLS Integration and Test Facilities (IATF) and Software Development Facilities (SDFs) that will be used to verify the integrated avionics system for SLS).
• SLS Emulators that will be delivered and integrated into facilities used to develop/test the NASA Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), the Second Stage Rocket (Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) or Exploration Upper Stage (EUS), and the Launch Control System.

Responsibilities:

• The Senior Systems Engineer will provide systems engineering support to the NASA SLS Avionics and Ground Systems Test Branch (ES53) at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in support of the SLS program. The engineer will apply systems engineering methods to define/evaluate SLS IATF, SDF and Emulator requirements and interfaces; and plan/support IATF, SDF and emulator verification/validation activities.
• Perform or coordinate systems engineering activities including Trade Studies and Analysis, Requirements Definition and Traceability, Requirements Allocation and Verification, Interface Definition, System Integration and test, and Design Verification and Validation. Also ensure requirements and specifications can be verified and validated, including risk mitigations, usability and NASA requirements.
• Work closely with SLS IATF software, hardware, and facility development personnel during development, understanding of configurations in development, operation, verification, and validation of IATF systems and emulators.
• Implement project verification and validation strategies by defining and delivering verification and validation project deliverables.
• Identify the data that will be required to show objectively that all configurations of the product meet their requirements, as well as the customer needs.
• Ensure that all test systems and equipment are appropriately validated and controlled.
• Review and analyze IATF system test data and record pass/fail results and conclusions. Ensure that results are traced to requirements.
• Measure and report on progress toward completion of verification and validation, and summarize the verification and validation performed, the data reviewed, and conclusions reached in compliance.
• Support completion of development testing, to characterize designs and understand trade-offs.
• Create or contribute to project deliverables which may include verification and/or validation plans, protocols, and reports; execution of the plans and protocols; and resolving deviations.
• Manage timeline for verification and validation activities and generate status reports.
• These activities will continue as the launch vehicle architecture matures and the SLS program completes program phases, reviews and schedule milestones.

A degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Software or Systems Engineering, Computer Science or a related technical discipline is required, preferably from an ABET accredited university. Typical experience requirements are at least 9 years of experience with a Ph.D., at least 13 years with a Masters, or at least 15 years with a Bachelors. Systems engineering experience supporting hardware and software integration, requirements development, verification and validation, and testing is preferred. Additional experience is needed in:

• Defining simulation system level requirements and software requirements.
• Creating verification and validation plans, protocols, and reports.
• Design, development, and operation of Hardware-In-the-Loop (HWIL) integration and test facilities.
• HWIL testing, avionics testing, flight software, launch vehicle simulations, and/or avionics systems engineering experience.
• Test system certification and simulation software accreditation.
• Maintenance of avionics integration labs and deployed emulator systems.
• Evaluation of Avionics models used in HWIL systems.
• Definition of processes/procedures associated with the full life cycle of HWIL integration/test facilities and deployed emulator systems.
• Excellent communication skills, technical writing, and presentation skills are required.
• Familiarity with NASA Systems Engineering policies and procedures is desired.