Spacecraft Parachute Lead Engineer

  • R0161465
  • On Site
  • Houston, Texas, United States
  • Full time
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Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!     

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA’s largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States. 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Spacecraft Parachute Lead Engineer to join the team.

The Spacecraft Parachute Lead Engineer will:

  • Serve as a parachute lead for a spacecraft parachute system, providing oversight of the design, development, test, integration, verification, and validation for Commercial Crew Program (CCP)
  • Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the spacecraft parachute system design trades, tests, operational mission constraints and risks
  • Organize and lead inter-disciplinary independent verification and validation (IV&V) activities to ensure that the parachute behavior is adequately characterized to support impacted requirements using modeling and flight-testing techniques
  • Support requirements verification, IFA investigations, design change evaluations
  • Interface with key stakeholders including but not limited to the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) Office, the CCP Integrated Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics System Manager, NASA JSC Safety and Mission Assurance group, and NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC)
  • Maintain a repository of key discussion points and facilitate weekly internal meetings with NASA stakeholders and biweekly discussion with spacecraft stakeholders
  • Perform other duties as required.

Requisition Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

  • Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a BS with at least 15 years of experience.

  • ​MS degree in engineering from an accredited engineering school and fifteen (15) years of direct engineering experience, or a Ph.D and ten (10) years of direct engineering experience.
  • Familiarity with the details of current spacecraft capsule parachute systems
  • Organizing, planning, and/or managing technical activities for the purpose of accomplishing defined objectives within schedule and budget constraints
  • Knowledge of adjacent disciplines of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and loads & dynamics
  • Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to present technical data, concepts, and recommendations to personnel at all technical and managerial levels
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment consisting of NASA civil servants and various contractor employees.

Requisition Preferences:

  • MS or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering
  • Extensive knowledge of principles, and practices involved in the definition, design, development, integration, test, manufacturing, and operations of parachute recovery systems
  • Extensive experience with ground testing of textile components and assemblies
  • Expertise in interpretation of ground test and flight data
  • Experience with wind tunnel testing
  • Experience with extracting aerodynamic data from flight testing

     

Why Join Our Team?

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

  • Excellent personal and professional career growth
  • 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
  • Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
  • Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visit www.wehavespaceforyou.com

  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
  • Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
  • Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).

Equipment and Machines

Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

Attendance

Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Other Essential Functions

Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

#JETS #JETSII

US EEO Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

       

Compensation Details:

SME1-SME2

       

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

 

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

 

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

       

Original Posting:

05/18/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

       

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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Accessibility/Reasonable Accommodations

If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability—or unable to use—the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Reasonable Accommodation Helpline at 1-888-877-3181 or 301-944-3299 for assistance. In order to address your request, the following information is needed:

  • Name
  • The best method for contacting you
  • The position title
  • Requisition/Job Number
  • Upon receipt of this information we will respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.