Avionics and Software Integration Lead
| Company | The Aerospace Corporation |
|---|---|
| Location | Houston, TX, USA |
| Salary | $Not Provided – $Not Provided |
| Type | Full-Time |
| Degrees | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Experience Level | Expert or higher |
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in electrical or software engineering, or another related STEM discipline
- 10 or more years of experience in flight hardware avionics, communication, and telemetry design including software and hardware development
- Expertise in avionics systems integration and software development, including embedded systems and avionics protocols (e.g., ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN Bus)
- Hands-on experience with Communications & Tracking Systems (C&T), Command & Data Handling (C&DH), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C) systems, and cybersecurity best practices for space systems
- Proficient in programming languages such as C, C++, and Python; familiarity with avionics software tools, testing, and simulation environments
- Experience in systems engineering and integration, particularly for mission-critical space applications
- Solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, with experience implementing security protocols and risk management strategies for space systems
- Experience in working with international partners to ensure seamless system integration and coordination
- Willingness to travel [domestically and internationally] approx. 2 times per year
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Lead Avionics & Software Integration: Oversee the integration of avionics systems, software, and subsystems (C&T, C&DH, GN&C, CHI, EME, EEE/RHA and cybersecurity) to ensure optimal performance and interoperability across spacecraft systems.
- System-Level Integration: Ensure smooth communication and coordination between avionics hardware, software, C&T, C&DH, GN&C, CHI, EME, EEE/RHA and cybersecurity systems throughout all integration phases, from design to testing.
- Collaboration with International Partners: Work closely with JAXA and across the Agency to coordinate and integrate avionics, software, and systems, ensuring alignment and interoperability for joint missions.
- Collaborative Planning: Collaborate with engineering teams across the Communications & Tracking Systems (C&T), Command & Data Handling (C&DH), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C), CHI, EME, EEE/RHA and cybersecurity disciplines to define integration requirements and resolve integration challenges.
- Testing & Validation: Lead system-level integration and verification testing, ensuring that all avionics and software subsystems meet NASA’s rigorous standards. Oversee all aspects of project and integrated tests and ensure availability of testing resource and facilities.
- Cybersecurity Oversight: Lead cybersecurity specialists to ensure all avionics and software systems are designed, tested, and implemented with robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and ensure mission security.
- Risk Management & Mitigation: Identify, assess, and manage technical risks, particularly in the areas of C&T, C&DH, GN&C, CHI, EME, EEE/RHA and cybersecurity, and develop mitigation strategies as necessary.
- Integration Documentation & Reporting: Prepare and maintain detailed integration plans, test procedures, and status reports, ensuring clear documentation of system-level integration activities, with specific attention to C&T, C&DH, GN&C, CHI, EME, EEE/RHA and cybersecurity.
- Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with all NASA safety, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements.
- Continuous Process Improvement: Promote continuous improvement in the integration processes, leveraging lessons learned from previous missions to optimize future integration activities.
- Program Milestones: Support project timelines and ensure successful integration at each stage, meeting all program milestones and ensuring mission readiness.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree from an accredited program in electrical or software engineering, or another related STEM discipline
- Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary technical teams, guiding them through complex integration challenges, including managing international collaboration efforts.
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with an ability to resolve issues related to the integration of complex avionics, software, and cybersecurity systems.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including international teams and NASA management.
- Project Management: Experience managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure that integration milestones are met on schedule. Experience in coordinating with international teams and ensuring that integration activities meet cross-agency timelines.