Spaceflight Operations Technician: Astronaut Training

NCSL International; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ASCEND Aerospace & Technology, LLC supports NASA astronaut training at Johnson Space Center by operating and maintaining Breathing‑air and ECS systems in full‑scale mockups. The Operations Technician role requires disciplined checklist execution, system troubleshooting, and precise communication during time‑critical training events.

The position supports ISS, CST/Boeing, and Orion configurations, maintains qualification currency, and coordinates with multiple test teams to ensure safe, compliant

Qualifications

• Requires technical procedures, checklists, schematics, operating limits, and emergency actions.
• Demonstrates ability to read, interpret, and execute complex procedures without skipping steps.
• NASA PIV badge eligibility and common-core/facility orientation are required before independent operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and support breathing‑air and ECS equipment per qualifications.
• Perform ECS operator tasks including K-bottle installation, manifold checks, compressor-cart operation, and system readiness.
• Verify gas purity, contamination controls, pressure readings, and calibration; maintain logs and records.
• Support suited training under Test Director control and respond to off-nominal conditions promptly.
• Coordinate with suit technicians, instructors, and facility management during events.

Skills

Technical experience

Operations maintenance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ECS equipment

Breathing-air systems

Job description

ASCEND Aerospace & Technology, LLC supports NASA astronaut training at Johnson Space Center by operating and maintaining Breathing‑air and ECS systems in full‑scale mockups. The Operations Technician role requires disciplined checklist execution, system troubleshooting, and precise communication during time‑critical training events.

The position supports ISS, CST/Boeing, and Orion configurations, maintains qualification currency, and coordinates with multiple test teams to ensure safe, compliant