NASA Space Reactor-1 Freedom Software Systems Engineer

Job Title: NASA Space Reactor-1 Freedom Software Systems Engineer

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Local

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CACI is seeking a Software Systems Engineer to support the Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom Program at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). This position focuses on software systems engineering for the SR-1 Vehicle Management (SVM) and Nuclear Power Management (NPM) onboard flight software.

The role requires a self-motivated engineer with strong technical depth, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and a collaborative, customer-focused mindset. The strongest candidates will be flexible, team-oriented, and able to explain complex technical concepts clearly and convincingly. They will also share our passion for the nation’s space program and the development of the next generation of space vehicles. This work is performed onsite at NASA/JSC in Houston, Texas, in a highly dynamic environment central to human spaceflight and space exploration.

Responsibilities

• Develop flight software requirements for upgrades and new capabilities.

• Coordinate the development and review of flight software documentation, including requirements, architecture, and design documents.

• Support the development of Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and Interface Requirements Documents (IRDs) that define interfaces among flight software subsystems and other spacecraft or ground systems.

• Provide leadership and mentoring to other systems engineers in the development of ICDs and IRDs, as needed.

• Identify areas of risk within the flight software and develop risk-mitigation plans.

• Support trade studies, analyses, and assessments to guide flight software development and resolve issues.

• Develop and maintain a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) to ensure all requirements are met.

• Interface with NASA and prime-contractor engineering teams across flight software subsystem domains and NASA programs.

• Support data-product definition and related software integration.

• Participate in and present at NASA software boards, as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, computer, or software engineering; computer science; or a related discipline.

• At least five years of related software systems engineering experience with real-time, safety-critical software in aerospace or another industry, such as commercial software or oil and gas. Experience beyond the minimum requirement is highly valued.

• Flexibility and openness to new challenges in a dynamic environment, with strong technical expertise and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.

• Highly responsible and team-oriented, with a strong work ethic.

• Highly developed coordination and organizational skills.

• Ability to plan, coordinate, and lead a small team of systems engineers.

• Ability to contribute throughout the software development life cycle, including software and test development, as needed.

Desired

• Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, computer, or software engineering; computer science; or a related discipline.

• Experience with the full life cycle of safety-critical software for aerospace or non-aerospace applications.

• Experience developing flight software for space vehicles, such as the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, SpaceX Crew Dragon, Boeing Starliner, Orion, or Lunar Gateway.

• Experience with hardware/software integration (highly desirable).

• Experience developing C code.

• Experience developing Python code.

• Experience with NASA’s core Flight System (cFS).

• Experience performing flight software verification.

• Vehicle-wide knowledge of space-vehicle systems, such as avionics; command and telemetry; command and control; timeline and vehicle management; and systems management.

• Knowledge of aerospace or similar vehicle operations, such as aircraft, space vehicles, satellites, or submarines.

• Familiarity with NASA Spacecraft Software Engineering Team (SSET) standards and processes for Class A safety-critical flight software.

• Experience with software configuration-management tools

This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI.

What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range :

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

$76,000 - 155,700 USD

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.