2026 Human Space Mission Architech

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. Human Space Mission Architect – Senior Member of the Technical Staff The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects.  The Architecture Concepts Department (ArCon) provides expertise in architecture methods, processes, and tools to an extremely broad range of customers, including National Space Security (NSS) and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, NNSA, DHS, and others.  ArCon staff participate in and lead architecture trade studies, architecture conceptualization studies, architecture modeling tasks, and program assessment analyses at multiple levels of complexity, ranging from prototype systems to full scale acquisition systems in the space, ground, communications, and network domains.  ArCon applies disciplined system architecting principles and leads cross-functional teams to provide impactful guidance to assist our customers in making key acquisition and operations decisions.  Work Model: This position will follow an in-person work model in Houston, TX. What You’ll Be Doing Lead and participate in architecture studies of human spaceflight system concepts, to include multi-disciplinary engineering teams, supporting problem framing, gap analysis, and trade space assessment Work with Aerospace program office, NASA customer, and contractor personnel as a technical subject matter focal to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies; mentor junior staff; support the scoping, planning, and execution of studies; and effectively communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports Collaborate with other Aerospace personnel to marshal technical expertise in multiple technical disciplines and domains to enable concurrent engineering approaches to address complex problems What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for Senior Member of the Technical Staff : Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical or Systems Engineering (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)  0 – 1 year of industry experience Project/school experience in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, concept design, and/or model-based systems engineering Demonstrated interest in human spaceflight systems, missions, and architectures through coursework, projects, research, or personal study Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse set of collaborators Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications Ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge through self-study and proactive engagement with mentors and subject matter experts Available and willing to travel domestically and internationally approx. 5-10% This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance Transcripts required for this position How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products Experience with space system architecture conceptual design, analysis, and concurrent engineering techniques Experience with spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, nuclear weapon systems, and/or aircraft systems Background in human factors research, human systems integration, crew operations, life support systems, or habitability analysis relevant to human spaceflight Relevant work and/or graduate school experience in system or enterprise architecting, systems engineering, model-based systems engineering, or digital engineering Hands-on experience with system or enterprise modeling in the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM) Knowledge of human spaceflight programs, mission architectures, and operational concepts for NASA, commercial space, or DoD human spaceflight activities Current active TS/SCI security clearance We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. (Min - Max) $125,000.00 - $140,000.00 Pay Basis: Annual Leadership Competencies Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who: Operate Strategically Lead Change    Engage with Impact    Foster Innovation    Deliver Res