Moonbase Principal Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies, fully aligned with Aerospace's standards, processes, and values. The NASA Programs Division (NPD) in CSG serves as the company's primary interface for supporting NASA's most critical missions across human spaceflight, science, space communications, and exploration initiatives. The division provides comprehensive systems engineering, program management, and technical leadership to NASA Headquarters, field centers, and program offices nationwide. Aerospace seeks an accomplished **Moonbase Principal Engineer (Principal Engineer- Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering)** to establish and lead the Moonbase Engineering activities for the NASA Programs Division. As the Principal Engineer, you will serve as the senior technical and programmatic authority responsible for engineering direction, portfolio integration, strategic planning, and operational excellence across all NPD Moonbase activities. This senior position requires a seasoned professional who can balance deep technical expertise with business acumen, strategic vision, and the ability to influence at the highest levels of Aerospace and NASA leadership. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of Aerospace's NASA portfolio and drive mission success across the nation's most ambitious space exploration and science programs. This is a full-time position based in **Houston, TX, Washington, DC, or Colorado Springs, CO.** Regular travel to NASA centers, Aerospace offices, and customer sites is required (approximately **30–40%**). **What You'll Be Doing** *As the Principal Engineer, you will:* - Provide authoritative technical guidance on complex systems engineering challenges across human spaceflight, science missions, and space operations - Lead technical integration efforts across division programs to identify synergies, leverage common solutions, and enable knowledge sharing - Champion innovation and technology insertion to maintain Aerospace's technical leadership position - Contribute technical expertise to scientific journals, publications, and patents and participate in industry-wide technical symposiums and conferences - Represent NASA Programs Division at NASA venues and internal Aerospace forums - Establish, lead, and continuously improve the Program Integration Office for the NASA Programs Division, defining charter, processes, and governance structures - Provide technical oversight of the entire Moonbase NPD portfolio—including, resource allocation, and performance metrics—and lead technical portfolio reviews with senior leadership on program health, risks, opportunities, and strategic recommendations - Develop and implement strategic plans that align division activities with Aerospace corporate objectives and NASA mission priorities - Ensure consistent application of Aerospace processes, quality standards, and best practices across all NASA programs **What You Need to be Su…