NASA Spacecraft Pyrotechnics Systems Engineer

NASA Spacecraft Pyrotechnics 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 Pyrotechnics/Ordnance Systems Engineer to directly support NASA/Johnson Space Center (JSC) within the JSC Pyrotechnics engineering group. This position will support various space vehicle programs in spacecraft pyrotechnic/ordnance design and vehicle integration including verification of design to NASA qualification requirements and work with international partners.  It will support project management of concept, development and flight Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) pyrotechnic systems and devices.

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, and be an articulate speaker able to communicate complex technical ideas in a convincing manner. The individual must share our passion for our Nation's Space Program and share in the excitement of developing the next human-rated space vehicles.
Responsibilities:

• Provide engineering support to NASA programs, communicate spacecraft requirements, such as JSC-62809 Human Rated Spaceflight Pyrotechnic Specification and apply them to technical issues or design challenges.
• Support research and development of new GFE pyrotechnic/ordnance project concept, design, testing and qualification for space vehicle applications including ground support equipment.
• Communicate engineering position rationale on analysis and data results to various internal and external organizations.
• Provide failure investigation and problem-solving efforts for device or system technical issues and elaborate paths forward or options.
• Perform and coordinate design engineering analysis and optimization activities using dynamic analysis software such as LS Dyna.
• Prescribe and communicate proper testing specifically for pyrotechnic test systems, data acquisition hardware and techniques through leading in a team environment with attention to detail and documentation.
• Coordinate with NASA Safety and Mission Assurance on pyrotechnic safety measures and standards to ensure quality, reliability, and performance of pyrotechnic devices.

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 Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines required.
• At least seven to ten years of related protechnics/ordnance engineering experience in aerospace or other industries.
• Experience working within program requirements to provide pyrotechnic flight hardware development, qualification, certification, and acceptance tests.
• Experience in definition of pyrotechnic system architecture, component/device design, structural interfaces, pyrotechnic safety standards, and operational requirements.
• 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 Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Experience greater than ten years related experience in pyrotechnics is highly valued, i.e., the greater the experience level the better.
• Experience using principles and practices involved in the definition, design, development, integration, test, manufacturing, and operations of pyrotechnic systems including all elements within a pyrotechnic system.  Elements include but are not limited to, initiators, detonators, safe and arm devices, explosive transfer lines, pyrovalves, riser cutters, reefing line cutters, shaped charges, separation bolts, frangible joints, frangible nuts, through bulkhead initiators, cartridge assemblies, and mechanically actuated devices.
• Knowledge of oversight required for GFE hardware over the development life cycle.
• Skilled in systems engineering and scientific principles and practices of pyrotechnic systems for spacecraft development and evaluation, including cost/risk trades, design optimization, problem resolution and hardware enhancements or improvements.
• Experience with dynamic engineering analysis software tools.

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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. 

Your potential is limitless. So is ours.

Learn more about CACI here.

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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. Learn more here.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

$82,100 - 172,400 USD

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.