Moonbase Principal Engineer

Overview Aerospace seeks an accomplished Principal Engineer (Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering) to establish and lead the Moonbase Engineering activities for the NASA Programs Division. This senior position serves as the senior technical and programmatic authority responsible for engineering direction, portfolio integration, strategic planning, and operational excellence across all NPD Moonbase activities. Location and Travel Full‑time position located in Houston, TX, Washington, DC, or Colorado Springs, CO. Regular travel (approximately 30–40% ) to NASA centers, Aerospace offices, and customer sites is required. Responsibilities Provide authoritative technical guidance on complex systems engineering challenges across human spaceflight, science missions, and space operations. Lead technical integration efforts across division programs to identify synergies, leverage common solutions, and enable knowledge sharing. Champion innovation and technology insertion to maintain Aerospace's technical leadership position. Contribute technical expertise to scientific journals, publications, and patents and participate in industry‑wide technical symposiums and conferences. Represent NASA Programs Division at NASA venues and internal Aerospace forums. Establish, lead, and continuously improve the Program Integration Office for the NASA Programs Division, defining charter, processes, and governance structures. Provide technical oversight of the entire Moonbase NPD portfolio—including resource allocation and performance metrics—and lead technical portfolio reviews with senior leadership on program health, risks, opportunities, and strategic recommendations. Develop and implement strategic plans that align division activities with Aerospace corporate objectives and NASA mission priorities. Ensure consistent application of Aerospace processes, quality standards, and best practices across all NASA programs. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or another applicable STEM area is required. 15 or more years of progressive professional experience in aerospace systems engineering, program management, or related technical leadership roles, including increasing responsibilities such as staffing, mentoring, budgeting, and team building. Demonstrated experience leading large‑scale, complex programs or portfolios. Expert‑level knowledge of systems engineering principles, program management methodologies, and mission assurance practices. Experience working directly with NASA programs or mission directorates. Demonstrated ability to influence and lead at executive levels, both internally and with external customers. Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen with ability to balance technical excellence with business objectives. Outstanding communication skills with proven ability to present complex technical and programmatic information to senior leadership and diverse stakeholders. Experience collaborating with aerospace contractors and supplier networks. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (Top Secret level). Willingness to travel regularly (30–40%). How You Can Stand Out Advanced technical and/or business degree. Experience in independent technical assessment or systems engineering oversight of contractor performance. Track record of growing and diversifying a program portfolio through strategic business development. Demonstrated innovation in applying digital transformation, AI/ML, or advanced analytics to program management. Direct experience supporting multiple NASA mission directorates (e.g., Exploration Systems Development, Space Operations, Science). Experience working with international customers in the space enterprise. Compensation The grade‑based pay range for this role is $185,200.00 – $277,800.00 annually. Benefits Comprehensive health care and wellness plans. Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation. Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options. 401(k) plan with company match and vesting on hire. Flexible spending accounts. Variable pay program for exceptional contributions. Relocation assistance. Professional growth and development programs. Education assistance programs. Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect. Equal Opportunity Commitment The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or needs reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Aerospace Corporation