Are you ready to advance the state of humankind in the pursuit of human knowledge? Deimos-One is leading the future commercial space age with the development of our new, cutting-edge technology – our mission is to open the door to an infinite and unimaginable future where anything is possible.
ENTRY DESCENT & LANDING ENGINEER
We are seeking an ace Precision Landing Engineer within the Deimos-One Space Systems (SS) Mission Area. Your primary task will be to advance current spacecraft landing capabilities of sensing systems used for hazard detection on planetary surface terrains. This includes the development, design, and qualification of sensing systems that are smaller, lighter, more cost effective, and straightforward to integrate with a variety of lander vehicles. The system should be capable of delivering spacecraft to safe landing locations, particularly when the terrain is hazardous and lighting conditions are challenging; most notably sites within permanently shadowed regions or sites that are high risk for safe and accurate landing near lunar dawn where the low-lighting and long shadows present technical challenges for current landing systems. This position assumes the lead role in driving Deimos-One precision spacecraft landing capabilities for human and robotic missions to the Moon, Mars, and elsewhere in the solar system.
THE MISSION
On this mission you will develop and advance Deimos-One sensing systems capable of generating three dimensional maps during rocket-powered landing maneuvers. The system will be used for reducing risk and improving spacecraft landing capabilities on planetary surface terrains in challenging lighting conditions from high altitudes. The primary mission objective will be to drive down SWaP-C beyond the current state of the art.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Operate as technical lead on a NASA research grant on the topic of nighttime precision landing on planetary surface terrains
- Spearhead effort to develop precision landing/sensing systems capable of delivering spacecraft to safe landing locations in near proximity of high value exploration target sites on human and robotic missions to the Moon, Mars, and elsewhere in the solar system
- Conduct the planning, design, implementation, and execution of a highly complex, NASA platform-compatible EDL subsystem flight test campaign, including associated ground testing and analyses
- Work with key stakeholders and lead project team members through development, testing, and delivery of products and services
- Be responsible for the resources, schedule, technical performance, and risk management of the campaign
- Represent the campaign to the sponsors and customers, including the negotiation of objectives and resources
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge research, prototype, development and transition
- Autonomy to pursue a research vision of your choosing, with support and resources to help fulfill that vision
- Support from a world class team that embraces innovation and challenges the status quo
- Establishment and/or growth of a reputation as a leader in your field
- Potential for position to transition into Chief Technology Officer pending availability of funds and needs
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated ability to create novel contributions to the state of the art (e.g., patents/papers/publications/working prototypes)
- Knowledge of the design life cycle process from requirements definition to system qualification
- Experience with conceptual and detailed design phases of programs
- Proven ability to conceive of and implement practical solutions to complex multi-disciplinary systems problems
- Experience working on projects of various sizes, individually and as part of a team
- Experience working with civil space agencies and/or understanding of NASA projects and mission objectives
- Experience working at the prime mission level (encompassing engineering efforts for ground, space, and/or launch vehicle)
- Strong team player and ability to work independently with excellent communication, interpersonal, time management, organizational and problem-solving skills
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Expert knowledge or extensive experience in one or more of the following areas: spacecraft systems engineering, Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems engineering, guidance, navigation, and control, supersonic parachutes, aerodynamics, systems integration, and EDL field testing
- 10+ years prior relevant experience with 8+ years of relevant spacecraft and payload/sensor design experience
- Extensive understanding and wide application of advanced principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in EDL systems engineering, resulting in contributions to the development of new theories and methods, including spacecraft landing system design
- Knowledge of landing gear, steering, and braking systems, integration, engineering design, the drawing release process, and subsystems/component qualification
- Expert knowledge of NASA systems engineering processes and requirements and/or academic practices and standards across a wide range of applications related to space missions and EDL systems engineering
- Ability to develop and refine system level requirements for vehicle systems based on customer (NASA) and derived requirements
- Ability to evaluate flight test and component qualification data for verification and validation purposes and to identify further testing or development/re-design work
- Demonstrated proficiency with CATIA V5. (SOLIDWORKS or equivalent will be considered in lieu of CATIA)
- Broad knowledge and experience programming in relevant languages such as MATLAB, C++, and Python
- Knowledge and experience with the design of flight vehicles or vehicle systems to a set of requirements or standards such as 14 CFR, Part 23, Part 25, Part 400, DO-160, military (MIL-STD-810) or NASA are highly desired
- Experience with manufacturing based ERP systems a plus
- Knowledge and experience with AS9100 a plus
- Experience developing large assemblies using Creo a plus
- Knowledge and experience with GD&T a plus
- Experience with Product Lifecycle Management tools (PLM software) a plus
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed
- Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance preferred. Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive Deimos-One missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing
ITAR REQUIREMENTS
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here
Deimos-One is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Deimos-One is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status
Applicants wishing to view a copy of Deimos-One’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (702) 505-9782
Required Education:
Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) degree in Aerospace Engineering
Desired Education:
Advanced (Masters or PhD) in Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline
Salary Range: $160,000 – $175,000
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Monday – Friday
Desired Work Location:
United States (remote/hybrid)
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Willingness to travel: 25% (Preferred)
**This position is CONTINGENT upon funding, an open position, customer approval, completion of a favorable background investigation, and the ability to obtain and maintain required clearance.