NASA Orion Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, Control, and Propulsion (GNCP) Flight Software Systems Engineer

Job Title: NASA Orion Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, Control, and Propulsion (GNCP) Flight Software Systems Engineer

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: NACI

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Continental US

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The Opportunity:

CACI is looking for an experienced Guidance, Navigation, Control, and Propulsion (GNCP) Flight Software Systems Engineer to work in NASA Johnson Space Center's Orion Flight Software Team supporting systems engineering for embedded flight software of NASA’s next generation crewed spacecraft which will carry astronauts to the Moon. 

Orion will dock in lunar orbit with a lunar lander which will transport astronauts to and from the lunar surface to explore the lunar surface, establish a lunar base, and lay steppingstones for Mars exploration. This exciting software systems engineering position involves insight/oversight of human-rated flight software throughout the full software life cycle including evaluations of concepts, analysis of flight software requirements and design, assessments of software architecture and code, and evaluations of verification tests and certification. Special emphasis will be placed on software safety, software process adherence, software verification, and certification for flight readiness.

This position requires a self-motivated, capable person with strong verbal and written communication skills. In addition to outstanding technical expertise, the individual must be very people savvy, have strong customer relationship skills, possess a positive team-player attitude, be flexible and willing to take on new assignments and responsibilities as they arise. Finally, the most qualified candidate will be an articulate speaker able to communicate complex technical ideas in a convincing manner, must share our passion for our Nation's Space Program, and share in the excitement of developing future human-rated space vehicles.

Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight and insight of the flight software development being performed by the prime contractor for the Orion Spacecraft in the GNCP domain.
• Take initiative analyzing difficult GNCP flight software problems.
• Review and provide oversight of flight software requirements, architecture, development, design, integration, production, verification, validation, and certification.
• Support the Orion Mission Evaluation Room (MER) Flight Software Console during Artemis Missions.
• Coordinate flight software issues and resolution across programs and vehicle systems engineering teams.
• Provide technical feedback on the products produced by the prime contractor as the software for the Orion spacecraft is developed.
• Review C++ code for errors and ensure proper adherence was given to processes for code development.
• Detect areas of risk within the flight software and guide contractors through corrective action.
• Interface with NASA and prime contractor engineering teams in a government and prime contractor environment. Provide inputs for developing Certification of Flight Readiness (COFR) recommendations.
• This work takes place at NASA/JSC in Houston, TX, a highly stimulating and dynamic environment that is critical in human space flight and the space exploration initiative.

Qualifications:

Required: 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• B.S. in Aerospace, Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer or Software Engineering, or related disciplines required.
• At least five years of related software systems engineering experience with real-time safety-critical software in aerospace with expertise in one or more of the following key areas: Guidance, Navigation, Control, and Propulsion. 
• Experience greater than the minimum expertise is highly valued.
• Experience working with flight software providers to correct defects in their systems.
• Experience working with software-dominant flight control systems. 
• Additional consideration will be given for experience with software control systems for recent spacecraft.
• Ability to analyze requirements documents, especially those developed for NASA spacecraft contracts.
• Ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Must be flexible, open to new challenges in a dynamic environment, and possess strong technical expertise combined with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with little supervision.
• Must be a highly responsible, team-oriented individual with strong work ethic. Must have highly developed coordination and organization skills.

Desired: 

• M.S. in Aerospace, Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer or Software Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Experience in full life cycle of safety-critical human-rated software for aerospace applications.
• Experience in flight software development for human-rated space vehicles, e.g., Space Shuttle, International Space Station, SpaceX Crew Dragon, Boeing Starliner, Orion, or Lunar Gateway.
• Experience developing objected-oriented C++ code.
• Experience developing Python code.
• Experience with hardware/software integration.
• Experience with NASA core Flight System (cFS).
• Experience performing flight software verification.
• Vehicle-wide knowledge of space vehicle systems, e.g., avionics; command and telemetry; command and control; timeline/vehicle management; systems management; displays; power; thermal; communications and tracking; NASA Docking System, etc.
• Knowledge of aerospace or similar vehicle operations, e.g., aircraft, space vehicle, satellite, submarine, etc.
• Familiarity with the NASA Spacecraft Software Engineering Team (SSET) standards and processes for class A safety-critical flight software.
• Experience with software configuration management tools.
• Familiarity with NASA's Orion Spacecraft.

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What You Can Expect:

 A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range:

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

$76,000 - 155,700 USD