Parachute Modeling Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Parachute Modeling Engineer (Aerospace): Developing and maintaining multi-body parachute system models integrated into flight mechanics simulations for Orion and Artemis Programs with an accent on high-fidelity simulation tools for spacecraft recovery. Focus on validating deployment and inflation models, executing HPC simulations, and reconstructing drop test data.

Location: Houston, TX, USA. Potential for full remote for the right candidate, although typically requires onsite work at Johnson Space Center.

Company

Engineering services provider supporting NASA's human spaceflight teams via the JETS II contract.

What you will do

• Develop and maintain multi-body parachute system models for flight mechanics simulations.
• Integrate models into NASA's Julia-based or C++ (Trick) simulation frameworks.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to reconstruct drop test data and assess parachute system performance.
• Execute simulations on High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems to analyze landing touchdown conditions.
• Prepare technical requirements documentation and present verification results at technical reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 2–5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with 6-DOF and multi-body flight mechanics simulations.
• Proficiency in software development and source code management tools like Git or GitLab.
• Experience developing and validating parachute or flight mechanics simulation models.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government background investigation.

Nice to have

• Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on flight mechanics.
• Proficiency in Julia, C++, and Linux.
• Experience executing simulations on HPC systems and reconstructing telemetry data.
• Familiarity with NASA JSC organizations, processes, and Orion/Commercial Crew programs.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and company-paid life/disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan and paid time off.
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off).
• Career development opportunities working alongside NASA's human spaceflight teams.