Aerospace Engineer of Guidance, Navigation, and Control
Duties
NASA Aerospace Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineers are experts in designing and developing systems that enable a crew to control, navigate, and direct a spacecraft from one location to another. Though many of the design and engineering principles of traditional aircraft have been carried forward for space vehicles, there are numerous differences between the two. Spacecraft are operated in conditions totally unlike those on Earth, and the Aerospace Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer must anticipate the challenges in space and determine solutions beforehand. In addition, the Aerospace Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer is responsible for designing backup systems and equipment that will notify personnel when a problem exists. Some of the tools used by Aerospace Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineers include GPS systems, sun sensors, Earth sensors, star trackers, magnetometers, and other highly technical equipment. Knowledge of this hardware and the accompanying software systems is an important part of the job.
Challenges
Aerospace Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineers must constantly educate themselves on new and emerging technologies. Because much of their work is cutting edge, they must be especially creative in thinking out of the box and finding solutions to complex issues and problems.
Requirements
Applicants must be United States citizens. At minimum, a four-year physical science, engineering, life sciences, computer science, mathematics, or related fields from an accredited university or college is required, though a PhD is preferred. Applicants must pass a background investigation as a condition of employment.
Training
NASA will provide some training on the job.
Scheduling
This position often requires a lot of traveling. Transportation expenses on behalf of the job may be covered.
Salary and Benefits
NASA benefits include sick leave, short and long term disability protection, life and travel insurance, an employee assistance program, annual leave, paid Federal holidays, and a retirement plan.
$123,556.00 – $152,000.00