Operations Engineer, Junior - NASA AFRC

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 67,300 - 112,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Paid leave

Retirement plans

Education and training assistance

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a Junior Operations Engineer in Edwards, California. The role involves supporting NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center through a range of engineering duties, including managing system requirements and overseeing aircraft operations.

The ideal candidate will hold a STEM degree and possess strong leadership skills. Salary ranges from $67,300 to $112,400 per year, with comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required with ability to obtain security clearance.
• 0-2 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to work onsite daily.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage system requirements and integration strategies.
• Support aircraft operations, modifications, and maintenance planning.
• Drive research and development initiatives.

Skills

Engineering principles

Project management

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Job description

Operations Engineer, Junior - NASA AFRC

• Location: US-CA-Edwards
• ID: 2026-4335
• Category: Engineering
• Position Type: Full-Time
• Remote: No
• Clearance Required: None

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

The Operations Engineer will play a critical role in supporting research and development activities at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC). This position requires leadership capabilities to perform a full spectrum of Engineering duties and requires thorough understanding of Engineering principles.

Note: This is a pipeline requisition designed to collect resumes for potential upcoming work at AMERICAN SYSTEMS and does not represent a current opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted when an opening/funding becomes available.

Responsibilities

Engineering and Integration:

• Define and manage system requirements, risk, and integration strategies.
• Support aircraft operations, modifications, maintenance planning, and troubleshooting.
• Serve as operational engineer for AFRC manned/unmanned projects, including development of autonomous aircraft technologies and flight vehicle integration procedures across NASA and partner organizations.
• Maintain aircraft configuration management (manuals, directives, TCTOs, Airworthiness Directives, Maintenance Directives).
• Prepare and manage Certificates of Authorization (COAs).
• Lead and support flight test planning, including test card development.
• Participate in and lead Operations, Mission Rule, and Systems Safety Working Groups.
• Develop procedures for assembly, installation, and integration of scientific instruments into NASA aircraft.
• Analyze project objectives, develop execution plans, and support safety reviews, including hazard documentation, FMEA, and mitigation planning.
• Review project instructions to confirm requirements, specifications, and objectives; recommend solutions to technical issues.
• Conduct and oversee system/component tests and research studies for performance improvements, development, and quality control.
• Record and analyze test procedures, results, and data; provide recommendations.

Leadership, Research, and Project Management:

• Drive research and development initiatives supporting NASA aerospace advancements.
• Lead Tech Briefs, risk assessments, and strategic planning for flight test programs.
• Represent the Ops Engineering branch in pre-mission deployments.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required
• Bachelor's degree in STEM.
• 0-2 years of relevant experience
• Able to work a 9/80 WORK SCHEDULE (alternating Fridays off) with core hours between 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Travel requirements: some travel is anticipated both locally and long distance by car or plane.
• Ability to work onsite daily is required.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $67,300.00/Yr. - USD $112,400.00/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status