Space Test Program SME Mission Design Engineer

Check out this NEW Opportunity with Axient!

Axient is seeking a Space Test Program SME Mission Design Systems Engineer to support our customer in Houston, TX.

Remote/hybrid work is allowable.

What you will do...

The Space Test Program Mission Design Systems Engineer position provides direct support to the Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power, Space Test Program (SZIS). The Space Test Program (STP) is designated as the executive agent for all DoD R&D experiments and is a tri-service program managed from Kirtland AFB, NM and Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX. STP manifests DoD R&D experiments that are assessed and prioritized at DoD Space Experiments Review Board (SERB); providing quick access to space for satellites/experiments using small launch vehicles. The DoD STP provides mission design, spacecraft acquisition, integration, launch, and on-orbit operations for the maximum number of DoD experiments, consistent with priority, opportunity, and available funding. The STP is the designated "front door" for all DoD Auxiliary Payloads (APLs) on DoD, civil and commercial launches, and for all non-DoD APLs seeking launch opportunities on DoD missions. The STP serves as the "single manager for all DoD payloads on the International Space Station, future manned and unmanned NASA launch vehicles.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide mission planning, design and analysis and support STP in assessment of prospective payloads as well as available missions and capabilities to maximize science objectives. Coordinate within STP as well as with the payload developers to optimize the use of all available resources (personnel, funding and opportunities) for the mission planning, design and analysis function. Follow the continued evolution of human space flight accommodations in order to maximize flight opportunities for DoD STP payloads on the International Space Station and applicable domestic and international resupply vehicles.

• Support the STP in the execution of the Space Experiments Review Board review processes, consulting with PI's, Sponsors, Service representatives, SAF/SQT, and STP Program Office personnel. Develop STP documentation such as Briefings, Space Flight Plans, etc.

• Support the development and coordination of memorandums or agreements and/or understandings between STP and payload developers, sponsors, as well as other DoD and/or NASA organizations supporting the STP mission.

• Research, analyze and recommend alternative launch opportunities via commercial providers as well as rideshare agreements within government and commercial industry to meet STP mission objectives.

• Assist in the development and review of payload requirements early in the payload integration life cycle. Coordinate with payload developers on their baseline as well as strongly desired requirements and advise STP on associated integration trades associated in order to optimally scope payload mission objectives. Follow the continued evolution of human space flight interface and safety requirements as they pertain to human rated certification of DoD STP payloads. Monitor the development of emerging Commercial LEO Destinations platforms and other emerging host platforms for STP missions.

• Support STP in scoping International Space Station (human rated) as well as non-human rated payload integration and on-orbit operations task definitions, review of contractor cost proposals, as well as development/review of project schedules.

• Perform mission assessments of technical and schedule readiness for satellites.

• Assess risks to/from satellites and to/from the launch vehicle.

• Deliver technical guidance for Space Vehicle design, development, assembly, integration, and test in support of payload, spacecraft and launch vehicle integration.

• Review launch provider Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and related technical documentation to ensure compliance to government policy, customer requirements, and space flight regulations.

Skills you will need...

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements and Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field (Required). Work experience may be substituted for a degree.

• Minimum 15+ experience in development & implementation of Research and Development (R&D) multi-payload satellite and launch missions, assembly, integration, launch & operations.(Required)

• Familiarity with Space System Command (Formerly Space and Missile Systems Center) space and ground satellite systems highly desired

• Excellent and detail-oriented organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills highly desired

• Advanced-level competency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook highly desired

Clearance: Top Secret/SCI Eligible

Location: NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas (Remote)

Other: Must meet applicable safety requirements.