Operations Engineer - NASA AFRC

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

The Operations Engineer will play a critical role in supporting research and development activities at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC). This position requires leadership capabilities to perform a full spectrum of Engineering duties and requires thorough understanding of Engineering principles.

As a NASA Operations Engineer with AMERICAN SYSTEMS, you will have the opportunity to do the following:

Engineering and Integration:

• Define and manage system requirements, risk, and integration strategies.
• Support aircraft operations, modifications, maintenance planning, and troubleshooting.
• Serve as operational engineer for AFRC manned/unmanned projects, including development of autonomous aircraft technologies and flight vehicle integration procedures across NASA and partner organizations.
• Maintain aircraft configuration management (manuals, directives, TCTOs, Airworthiness Directives, Maintenance Directives).
• Prepare and manage Certificates of Authorization (COAs).
• Lead and support flight test planning, including test card development.
• Participate in and lead Operations, Mission Rule, and Systems Safety Working Groups.
• Develop procedures for assembly, installation, and integration of scientific instruments into NASA aircraft.
• Analyze project objectives, develop execution plans, and support safety reviews, including hazard documentation, FMEA, and mitigation planning.
• Review project instructions to confirm requirements, specifications, and objectives; recommend solutions to technical issues.
• Conduct and oversee system/component tests and research studies for performance improvements, development, and quality control.
• Record and analyze test procedures, results, and data; provide recommendations.

Leadership, Research, and Project Management

• Serve as technical lead and mentor for engineering teams and junior engineers.
• Drive research and development initiatives supporting NASA aerospace advancements.
• Lead Tech Briefs, risk assessments, and strategic planning for flight test programs.
• Represent the Ops Engineering branch in pre-mission deployments.
• Mentor engineers in technical specialties, systems engineering, and project management.

• Bachelor's degree in STEM; Master's degree preferred
• 5+ years of engineering experience. 
• Able to work a 9/80 WORK SCHEDULE (alternating Fridays off) with core hours between 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Travel requirements: some travel is anticipated both locally and long distance by car or plane.
• Ability to work onsite daily is required.