Aerospace Simulator Systems Engineer

relativedynamics; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Relative Dynamics, an aerospace engineering services company, seeks an Aerospace Simulator Systems Engineer to work on-site at NASA GSFC in Greenbelt, MD. You will lead Landsat Next ConOps, define simulator requirements, and coordinate with USGS and across spacecraft, payload, ground, and launch teams.

Ideal candidates have a BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering with 5+ years' experience, experience with hardware simulators, and strong systems engineering, requirements management, and

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with hardware simulators (not software simulation) required.
• Knowledge of requirements management and configuration/data management tools across mission architecture.
• Experience managing products for large Class B NASA missions; Landsat experience a plus.
• Experience with NASA GSFC mission engineering processes and lifecycle development.
• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support Landsat Next ConOps development and develop simulator requirements and ConOps documents.
• Define simulator needs, mission design, and interface management requirements.
• Track and oversee simulator inputs across spacecraft, payload, ground, and launch services.
• Lead a weekly Simulator Working Group and liaison to USGS.
• Coordinate with USGS engineering/operations to meet end-user testing and ops needs.
• Prepare requirements/specifications packages with ICD development support.
• Provide MISE support for design reviews and interface management.
• Analyze contractor progress and participate in reviews and meetings.

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Hardware simulators

Requirements management

NASA GSFC experience

Leadership

Cross-team collaboration

Communication

Education

BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ICD development

Configuration/data management tools

Job description

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting the SEAS II Contract. In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

Relative Dynamics is seeking an Aerospace Simulator Systems Engineer to work on-site at NASA GSFC in Greenbelt, MD. This is a full-time, on-site position. The opportunity for hybrid work with routine telework may be available with Project consent. This role includes occasional travel (2 trips per year) to the customer site in South Dakota.

What You’ll Get to Do:

• Support Landsat Next ConOps development, including simulator usage and mission-level integration/testing considerations, and develop the mission simulator requirements and ConOps documents.

• Define simulator needs (mission objectives, measurement concept, instrument concept), mission design, and interface engineering/management requirements, including late-lifecycle considerations for pre-launch, launch, and commissioning verification.

• Track and oversee simulator engineering inputs for pre-formulation/formulation studies across spacecraft, payload, ground, and launch services.

• Serve as Project liaison to USGS on all simulator matters, and lead a weekly Simulator Working Group with key stakeholders to resolve issues and align on simulator needs.

• Interact with USGS engineering/operations teams to ensure simulator requirements, design, and I&T meet end-user testing and operational needs.

• Review mission systems/operations documentation and prepare requirements/specification packages conforming to Task Order standards, including interface identification and ICD development support.

• Provide M&ISE support (system design assessment for Design Reviews, requirements/specification review, interface management strategy) and technical inputs for simulator design/problem-solving.

• Analyze contractor progress reports with recommendations to the project, and participate in Observatory/Spacecraft/Launch Vehicle/Instrument systems reviews, meetings, and working groups.

What You’ll Need:

Required & Desired Skills

• BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience

• Previous experience with and understanding of hardware simulators (not software simulation) is required.

• Working knowledge of requirements management, configuration/data management tools, and integrating them across technical and project teams for mission, spacecraft, instrument, ground, and launch system architecture formulation.

• Experience managing products commensurate with large Class B NASA missions; Landsat project experience is a plus.

• Practical application of requirements management, digital engineering processes, and configuration/data management for mission engineering and project management at NASA GSFC.

• Working knowledge of full lifecycle development of NASA space, ground, and launch vehicle systems, from concept through on-orbit deployment and operations.

• Outstanding leadership, organizational, and oral/written communication skills.

• Ability to work well across multiple teams, customers, and working groups.

Who You Are:

• Effective communicator who can translate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders

• Customer-focused, with the ability to support government and agency partners while maintaining high service standards

• Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting commitments in regulated and deadline-driven environments

• Productive and results-oriented, balancing quality, efficiency, and innovation across projects

• Collaborative team player who contributes to shared goals and overall organizational success

What You’ll Enjoy:

• Grow your career with mobility, continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and a personal development program in a culture that rewards innovation and impact

• Join a high-performing team that works together on meaningful, mission-driven work and support each other.

• Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life/disability coverage, 401(k) with match, PTO, company holidays, and community engagement opportunities

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.