Space Vehicle Systems Engineer – Gateway Program

Description – External

Are you ready to help shape the future of human space exploration? At Astrion, NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider, we work side by side with NASA across the country to enable deep space missions that inspire the world.

We are looking for a Space Vehicle Systems Engineer – Gateway Program to join our team supporting one of the most ambitious space projects of our time: NASA’s Gateway, the lunar-orbit space station that will enable sustainable exploration of the Moon and beyond.

In this role, you will directly support the Co-Manifested Vehicle (CMV) and lead critical systems engineering and integration efforts from concept development through on-orbit operations. You will have the opportunity to influence mission architecture, spacecraft design, flight readiness, and long-term space utilization while collaborating with NASA and industry partners.

Note: We are actively recruiting for this role in anticipation of position approval. While not yet finalized, we have strong reason to believe the role will open soon, and we are moving forward with identifying qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead system-level integration efforts across spacecraft design, development, and operations.

• Develop and implement systems engineering approaches for planning, design, verification, and testing.

• Oversee integration of hardware/software components, payload integration, and execution of system-level testing.

• Define, manage, verify, and validate system and subsystem requirements throughout the development lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) with internal and external partners.

• Identify and mitigate technical and programmatic risks affecting integration and system performance.

• Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, test, and program teams to resolve integration challenges.

• Deliver technical briefings, reports, and schedule inputs to stakeholders including NASA leadership.

• Support mission operations integration, utilization planning, and flight readiness reviews.

Specialty areas may include:

• Loads & Dynamics / Docking Mechanisms

• Communications & Data Handling

• Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)

• Engineering Analysis & Modeling

• Thermal Systems

• Mission Operations Integration & Utilization

Qualifications – External

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, or related engineering discipline.

• 2–5 years of experience in systems engineering, integration, or verification/validation for complex aerospace systems.

• Proven track record supporting or leading integration on multidisciplinary aerospace projects.

• Proficiency with systems engineering tools/methodologies.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in Engineering or related field.

• Experience with NASA human spaceflight programs or similar complex space systems.

• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices.

• Hands-on experience with spacecraft testing, launch integration, or on-orbit operations.

• Knowledge of NASA systems engineering policies and human-rating requirements.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

Why Join Our Team?

At Astrion, you’ll be part of a mission-driven community shaping the future of human exploration. In addition to exciting technical challenges, we offer:

• Excellent career development and growth opportunities

• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off, when applicable)

• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)

• Comprehensive benefits and more

Additional Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency may be required.

• Ability to pass a U.S. government background investigation.

• Management reserves the right to select at any advertised level based on candidate qualifications.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based; some tasks may involve work in other settings.

• Work may involve sitting/standing for extended periods (90% of time).

• May require lifting up to 25 lbs (5% of time).

• Standard office equipment (PC, printer, phone, etc.).

• Regular attendance is critical; ability to adjust schedule for mission/launch needs required.

Additional Information

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency is required

• Must be able to complete a U.S. Government background investigation

• Final position level may vary based on candidate experience and organizational needs

Astrion is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.