Instrument Systems Engineer

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, seeks an Instrument Systems Engineer sponsored by the NASA Landolt mission. You will contribute to payload instrument design, assembly, integration, and testing for a space-based platform, while collaborating with a diverse team across departments and partners.

The role requires a PhD in a relevant field, knowledge of NASA procedures, and strong programming skills (Python/C).

Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field (Required)
• MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering or related field with an emphasis on space systems development (Preferred)
• Knowledge of NASA procedures and practices (Required)
• Knowledge of space system development, integration, and testing (Required)

Responsibilities

• Co-manage daily operations and resource utilization with mission leadership.
• Develop, integrate, and test structural, embedded, electronic, and software components for engineering demonstration units and flight hardware.
• Carry out system assembly, integration, and testing in compliance with NASA requirements.
• Write technical reports, progress reviews, and papers for journals/conferences.

Skills

Space systems development knowledge

Python programming

C programming

Linux experience

Education

PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field

MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering or related field with an emphasis on space systems development

Job description

Department: College of Science

Classification: Research Staff 12-month

Job Category: Research Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About The Department

George Mason University, a Carnegie Research I institution, is Virginia’s largest and most diverse university with more than 38,000 students. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason is part of the Washington DC metropolitan area offering easy access to the scientific and political resources of the nation’s capital.

George Mason University is committed to advancing inclusion, access, and equal opportunity throughout our community. We believe that a broad range of voices, cultures, and perspectives brings vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community.

The Landolt Mission team is responsible for developing and executing a NASA space-based mission through coordinated work across science, payload, spacecraft bus, software, systems engineering, integration and test, mission assurance, and project management functions. The unit provides an interdisciplinary research and training environment for faculty, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, staff, and students working collaboratively with federal, academic, commercial, and other external partners.

The Landolt Mission team supports mission formulation, systems engineering, subsystem coordination, technical trade studies, requirements development, verification and validation planning, assembly, integration and testing, technical documentation, mission reviews, and mission operations planning. The unit works collaboratively across payload, spacecraft bus, software, ground systems, mission operations, science, and programmatic interfaces to advance mission objectives and meet NASA requirements.

Statement on Building an Inclusive Culture

George Mason University's College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About The Position

The Instrument Systems Engineer is sponsored by the NASA Landolt mission. The duties include (at a different level of involvement and responsibility):

• Contributes to all aspects of payload instrument design and development including mechanical, electrical, software, procedural, and regulatory compliance as a member of the instrument team.
• Participates in the assembly, integration, and testing of components, modules, and fully integrated instruments, ensuring seamless integration with the satellite bus.
• Runs data collection, analysis, and simulation studies to define the instrument performance. Develops procedures and techniques to process data from the space-based Landolt Mission instrument, while continuously enhancing its performance.
• Documents activities for the Landolt Mission through mission reviews, reports, documentation, and technical publications in a manner consistent with space-based projects and published results in professional scientific journals.
• Collaborates effectively within a diverse, multi-institutional team environment comprising scientists, engineers, students, project managers, and support staff across federal, academic, and commercial partners.
• Fosters a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence, and innovation. Champions George Mason University's commitment to Access, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with mission leadership; and
• Co-manage daily operations and resource utilization.

Instrument Systems Development

• Develop, integrate, and test structural, embedded, electronic, and software components for engineering demonstration units, mockups, test stations, and flight hardware;
• Carry out system assembly and integration;
• Comply with NASA space system requirements and procedures; and
• Execute system testing and characterize system components and subsystems.

Reporting

• Co-lead writing and production of formal technical reports, progress reports, and reviews for NASA (e.g., CSR, SRR, MDR, PDR, CDR, FRR, ORR) in a manner consistent with NASA’s documentation requirements, standards, and guidelines (e.g., NPR 7120.5/8);
• Write papers for professional journals and conferences;
• Attend meetings with sponsors, collaborators, and partners across federal, commercial, and academic sectors, with occasional travel outside the DC metropolitan area as required;
• Assist in the pursuit of new and continued Mason Space Center projects and funding support (e.g., new and extended missions/projects).

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field;
• Knowledge of NASA procedures and practices; and
• Knowledge of space system development, integration, and testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering or related field with an emphasis on space systems development;
• Experience with space hardware, electronics, embedded system development, and NASA procedures and practices;
• Additional experience in CAD structural design for mechanical components, electronic prototyping, and Python programming would be beneficial;
• Experience with embedded system development, particularly programming MSP430 microcontrollers in C is preferred;
• Experience in the design, development, and testing of space instruments, payloads, and electronic systems;
• Possess a solid foundation in optics, hardware, electronics, and embedded software for space applications, along with proficiency in Linux; and
• Strong programming skills in Python and C are desired.

Posting Open Date: October 23, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 6, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/