Systems Engineer

About Ad Astra

Ad Astra Rocket Company (Ad Astra) is a small US R&D company dedicated to developing advanced plasma rocket technology for in-space transportation. The company's headquarters and central laboratory are located in Webster, TX, about 25 miles south of downtown Houston. Ad Astra also owns and operates a small subsidiary, located in northwestern Costa Rica and primarily focused on developing and implementing clean energy solutions based on green hydrogen for both stationary and mobile applications.

Job Overview

The Systems Engineer will support Ad Astra's VASIMR Technology Maturation Program at its Webster, TX, location. Work will be performed in laboratory, manufacturing, and integration/assembly environments, and performing analytical and testing activities for prototype and flight design validation using test fixtures, instrumentation, and data capture systems. The Systems Engineer will have numerous responsibilities across different phases of the VASIMR project. · Candidates must be U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop and manage the system requirements, interfaces, and technical integration of Collaborate with engineers and scientists to analyze and develop existing and new material options and technologies for the VASIMR program.
• Ensure that systems engineering practices and recognized industry standards regarding design validation and verification are applied throughout the VASIMR program.
• Develop and manage verification and closure of design requirements, safety hazards, and joint technical analyses for thermal, loads, power, etc.
• Responsible for the System MEL and PEL budgets. (Mass & Power)
• Facilitating and managing integration with engineering spacecraft subsystems and operations disciplines to fully certify the VASIMR system.
• Support key program reviews, such as System Requirements Reviews, Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, Technical Cost, Schedule, Risk reviews, and Program Management Reviews.
• Manage requirements development, definition, and maturity.
• Develop interface control documents (ICDs).
• Coordinate constraints and conflicting requirements across multiple disciplines.
• Ensure coordination of design changes and associated impacts across subsystems.
• Identify program risks and associated mitigations.
• Manage integrated performance assessments and trade studies.
• Support and deliver systems evaluation presentations and technical reports.
• Support third-party production and test operations at their facilities if/when required.
• Develop technical specs for procurement of hardware.
• Assist with other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, material, mechanical, or aerospace engineering or equivalent degree.
• Experience functioning in Agile and DevOps environments.
• Experience in configuration, data management, verification, and validation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to manage complex integrated systems.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary teams supporting systems design, development, test, and integration.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills

Additional Skills Desired:

• Master's or PhD in a related Aerospace engineering field.
• Experience designing, developing, producing, and certifying space flight hardware
• Experience working hands-on in an R&D laboratory, and in manufacturing and/or production environments.
• Familiarity with Systems Requirements development, monitoring, and verification.
• Experience with systems utilized on the VASIMR program, for example, High Voltage, RF Power, Electromagnets, Cryogenics, Vacuum facilities and components, IT and Avionics Systems, Metallic and non-metallic components.
• Experience with vacuum systems and the space environment.
• Experience with partially and fully ionized plasma. Experience in integrating measuring instruments such as sensors and displays into instrumentation control systems

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. (i.e., instruments, books, equipment, small devices, and supplies).
• Ability to stand or be seated for long periods of time.
• Stooping, reaching, climbing, working on a ladder, and bending may be periodically required

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings