This position is located in the Launch Vehicle Propulsion and Energetic Systems Branch of the Commercial Systems Division of the Engineering Directorate at Kennedy Space Center. You will serve as a senior-level propulsion system engineer technical expert at SpaceX's McGregor, Texas test facility and is the primary interface on all launch vehicle propulsion related items for NASA's commercial programs using commercial launch services at the facility.

Duties

Serve as senior propulsion technical expert for NASA’s commercial programs at SpaceX's McGregor facility. Apply senior-level propulsion engineering expertise to the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicle systems to coordinate and support reviews, identify program risks, coordinate Program propulsion systems assessments, provide resolution options. Provide insight and technical evaluation of contractor designs, test methods, and procedures used during the design and processing of launch vehicles. Participate in technical exchanges with other NASA Centers and industry for the purpose of keeping abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the design and development of new commercial propulsion systems, techniques, and procedures. Independently identify technical needs and manage the propulsion systems associated with launch vehicles and technical integration activities over the entire life cycle. Plan, develop, assign, and oversee the resolution of all propulsion system issues for large-scaled and highly complex launch vehicle systems at the Falcon McGregor testing facility. Interface with the Chief Engineers to address issues involving rocket engines, propulsion systems, and the integrated launch vehicle, spacecraft and mission. Foster a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and innovation. Champion NASA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to create an environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Requirements

• Current Federal employees must meet qualifications, time in grade, and 90 days after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of the announcement
• This position may require a one-year probationary period

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, which has equipped you with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level. Leading or participating in discussions with stakeholders regarding the design, development, testing, or operation of propulsion systems used in commercial aerospace launch vehicle flight and facility systems; Serving as subject matter expert in commercial space launch vehicle propulsion systems with emphasis on the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles and operations; Applying theories, concepts, principles, methods, and/or practices of systems engineering and propulsion systems to resolve problems in existing and newly-emerging launch vehicles and their propulsion systems. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.

Education

Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a major in one of the following:
a) Engineering from a college or university that has ABET accredited engineering programs
b) Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science or other field of Science
c) Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in any combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science with at least half of those hours in mathematics and statistics courses that included differential and integral calculus; and that provided an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of computer science, including digital computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representations and transformations.

If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST qualifying field, as listed above.

Degrees in engineering technology are not considered qualifying for this position.

Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Engineering degrees earned within the United States must be from a college or university that has at least one ABET accredited engineering program. To find out if a school has at least one ABET accredited program, please visit http://www.abet.org.

Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), often known as accords. These are non-governmental agreements among organizations that accredit academic degree programs. MRAs recognize the substantial equivalence of mature accreditation systems and programs accredited by signatory organizations within their jurisdictions. For a listing of Signatories, please visit, https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.

Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Science and other related degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.

Contacts

• Address Kennedy Space Center Space Commerce Way Titusville, FL 32899 US
• Name: NASA Shared Services Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-677-2123
• Email: [email protected]