Space Flight Dynamics Docking Engineer

Amentum; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Educational reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Amentum is seeking a Space Flight Dynamics Docking Engineer to join the JETSII Contract in Houston. The role focuses on analysis, verification, and testing of docking systems for NASA spaceflight programs including Orion and ISS.

You will model complex multi-body dynamics, perform Monte-Carlo simulations, and develop data tools in Python. Ideal candidates hold a mechanical or aerospace engineering degree, are proficient in Python/MATLAB/C++, and communicate effectively.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace).
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++.
• Familiarity with desktop software: MS Office.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Model and simulate nonlinear contact dynamics using commercial/in-house tools.
• Understand and model dynamics of complex, multi-body mechanical systems.
• Perform structural loads and dynamics analysis.
• Verify mechanical system requirements through test and analysis.
• Perform Monte-Carlo simulation-based analyses.
• Post-process, reduce, and visualize data; develop tools in Python.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Multibody dynamics

Monte Carlo

Data analysis

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MSC Adams

Trick Simulation Environment

Linux

MS Office

Job description

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 aSpace Flight Dynamics Docking Engineer to join the JETSII Contract.

This position will be performing analysis, verification, and testing of the docking systems used in NASA's human spaceflight programs. This includes Orion, the Human Landing Systems, the International Space Station, and others.

The position will require the following skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Perform modeling and simulation of nonlinear contact dynamics using commercial and in-house code bases; develop new models, typically in the NASA-developed Trick Simulation Environment (using C/C++), MSC Adams, or similar tools.
• Understand and model the dynamics of complex, multi-body mechanical systems.
• Understanding of control systems.
• Perform structural loads and dynamics analysis.
• Perform verification of mechanical system requirements through test and analysis.
• Perform simulation-based analysis using Monte-Carlo methods.
• Perform data post-processing, reduction, and visualization using commercial and in-house code bases, as well as develop additional data processing tools, typically in Python.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requisition Qualifications:

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering with experience in the field or in a related area.
• Requires a bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or in a related engineering field.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++.
• Familiarity with desktop software applications, MS Office is required.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Requisition Preferences:

• MS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Coursework or previous experience with numerical methods and rigid body dynamics.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop simulation and testing.
• Experience developing software for modeling, analysis, and/or data acquisition.
• Experience with NASA-developed Trick Simulation Environment.
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems and command line interface
• Familiarity with the International Docking System Standard (IDSS) and IDSS-compliant mechanisms
• Familiarity with MSC ADAMS

Why Join Our Team?

• 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 tocomplete 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

Compensation Details:

EN1

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:

08/27/2026 - 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.