Aerospace Mechanical Engineer - NASA Aircraft Operations

Qualified Technical Services, Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualified Technical Services, Inc. in Houston, TX, seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support NASA’s Aircraft Operations Division at Johnson Space Center.

You will provide hands‑on engineering support for aircraft‑related projects, contributing to design, modification, testing, troubleshooting, analysis, and fabrication efforts. Collaborate with engineers, maintenance personnel, and flight operations to deliver high‑quality solutions in a dynamic aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with 6+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree in Engineering with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in aviation or aerospace engineering across the full project lifecycle.
• Experience supporting aircraft engineering activities such as design, modification, testing, analysis, troubleshooting, or repair.
• Experience utilizing CREO or similar 3D modeling software for aircraft design, modeling, and drawing development.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on engineering support for aircraft-related projects.
• Contribute to design, modification, testing, troubleshooting, analysis, and fabrication efforts.
• Work closely with other engineers, maintenance personnel, and flight operations to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Deliver timely engineering solutions in a dynamic aerospace environment.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

CREO

Job description

Work Location: Houston, TX - NASA Ellington Airport

Minimum Citizenship: U.S. Citizen

Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support NASA’s Aircraft Operations Division at the Johnson Space Center. In this role, you will provide hands‑on engineering support for aircraft‑related projects and activities, contributing to design, modification, testing, troubleshooting, analysis, and fabrication efforts. You will work closely with other engineers, maintenance personnel, and flight operations to deliver high‑quality, timely engineering solutions in a dynamic aerospace environment.

What You Bring

• Strong technical judgment and problem‑solving skills in an aviation or aerospace environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, customer‑driven environment.
• Strong working knowledge of aerospace engineering principles, including aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and flight vehicle subsystems.
• Strong working knowledge of engineering project lifecycles, formal reviews, airworthiness requirements, and project management best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new tools and systems quickly.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with 6+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree in Engineering with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in aviation or aerospace engineering across the full project lifecycle.
• Experience supporting aircraft engineering activities such as design, modification, testing, analysis, troubleshooting, or repair.
• Experience utilizing CREO or similar 3D modeling software for aircraft design, modeling, and drawing development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aircraft sheet metal or structural repairs is highly desired. This includes skin repairs and structural reinforcement repairs or modifications.
• Prior experience supporting NASA or DoD contracts.
• Experience working in a regulated, safety‑critical environment.

Why Join Us

• Support the aircraft that will train Artemis crews returning to the moon and advance science back on earth.
• Contribute to meaningful aircraft engineering work that directly supports NASA missions.
• Work in a collaborative environment alongside government and industry experts.
• Competitive compensation and benefits with long‑term program stability.

QTS is an equal opportunity employer and will provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, military veteran status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family structure, genetic information, or mental or physical disability.