Job Description

Senior NASA Orion Spacecraft Flight Software 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 Space Vehicle Flight Software Systems Engineer to serve as a technical expert, i.e., Software Functional Manager (SFM), for NASA’s next generation crewed spacecraft, Orion, which will carry astronauts to the Moon.  Orion will dock in lunar orbit with a lunar lander which will transport astronauts to and from the lunar surface.  This exciting software systems engineering position involves insight/oversight of human-rated flight software including evaluations of concepts, analysis of flight software requirements and design, assessments of software architecture and code, and evaluations of verification tests and certification.  Special emphasis will be placed on software safety, software process adherence, software verification, and certification for flight readiness.  

SFMs generally focus on one or more spacecraft vehicle system domains. Vehicle systems include crew systems; displays; avionics; command and data handling; environmental control and life support (ECLSS); power; propulsion; thermal; guidance, navigation, and control; communications and tracking; and docking.

Typical areas of focus will be data network and channelization, fault management, mission sequencing, aborts, emergency responses, redundancy management, etc.

This work requires collaboration with Spacecraft prime contractors.

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. Finally, the most qualified candidate will be an articulate speaker able to communicate complex technical ideas in a convincing manner, must share our passion for our Nation's Space Program, and share in the excitement of developing future human-rated space vehicles.

Responsibilities:

• Review and oversight of flight software requirements development, design, integration, production, verification, validation, and certification.
• Perform systems engineering, such as hazard analysis, on vehicle subsystem domains.
• Analyze flight software architecture infrastructure and evaluate Central Processing Unit (CPU) utilization and related launch commit criteria.
• Provide technical feedback on the products produced by the prime contractor as the code for the Orion spacecraft is developed.
• Review C/C++ code for errors and ensure proper adherence was given to processes for code development.
• Review the design documentation for code written within an assigned domain. Ensure that the design is clear and correct according to the requirements for that area.
• Review Unit Tests for the assigned software area. Ensure that the processes were followed and that the Unit Tests fully test the functionality of the code.
• Review Integration testing for the assigned software domain. Ensure that the integration tests fully exercise the interfaces between domain code and code from other domains.
• Follow the software Verification campaign for the assigned software area. Ensure that the Verification tests pass and that they are sufficient to prove the functionality required of the target software.
• Follow and participate in the Data Validation campaign to prove that the data provided to the software produces the desired operation of that software.
• Coordinate flight software issues and resolution across programs and vehicle systems engineering teams.
• Detect areas of risk within the flight software and guide contractors through corrective action.
• Evaluate prime contractor flight software architecture, design, and implementation.
• Oversight of integration of flight software in test and verification facilities.
• Interface with NASA and prime contractor engineering teams.
• Provide inputs for developing Certification of Flight Readiness (COFR) recommendations.
• Provide mission support including monitoring and evaluating flight operations and troubleshooting anomalies during Orion spacecraft flights in the Mission Evaluation Room (MER).

   

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 Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer or Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines required.
• Prior or current background in software development or systems engineering.
• At least 8-10 years of related experience in real-time safety critical software, including internships.  Experience can be for aerospace vehicles or in other industries, e.g., oil and gas.  Experience greater than the minimum expertise is highly valued.
• 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 Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer or Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines.
• Experience in full life cycle of safety critical software for aerospace or non-aerospace applications.
• Experience in flight software development for human-rated space vehicles, e.g., Space Shuttle, International Space Station, SpaceX Crew Dragon, Boeing Starliner, Orion, or Gateway L2 or L3 modules.
• Vehicle-wide knowledge of space vehicle systems, e.g., avionics; command and telemetry; command and control; timeline/vehicle management; systems management; displays; power; propulsion; thermal; ECLSS; guidance, navigation and control; communications and tracking; NASA Docking System, etc.
• Knowledge of aerospace or similar vehicle operations, e.g., aircraft, space vehicle, satellite, submarine, etc.
• Experience developing C/C++ and/or Python code. 
• Project management skills. 
• Familiarity with NASA's Orion Spacecraft.

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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 takes pride in fostering a diverse and accessible culture where every individual feels supported to chart their own path. 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/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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