Cryogenic Subject Matter Expert

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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

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 integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. 

The Civil Systems Group (CSG) is looking for a Cryogenic Subject Matter Expert (SME) (MTS Casual III– Systems Engineering). We are seeking qualified individuals with experience supporting program and activities of a diverse customer set at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and/or other Government customers. Functions include providing cryogenic fluid management subject matter expertise to NASA’s Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) project. The incumbent must have the ability to work professionally with all levels of management, particularly senior customer officials. 

Work Model 

This is a casual position based at NASA Glenn in Cleveland, OH, offering a hybrid work model that combines 1-2 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.   

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Support and provide detailed documentation for design reviews (CDR/PDR) of cryogenic systems.  
• Review facility designs to ensure compliance with liquid helium systems and research and development operations. 
• Deliver cryogenic SME guidance to NASA GRC for development of liquid helium systems. 
• Provide cryogenic SME mentorship to the NASA GRC engineering team developing detailed research and development plans for the liquid helium facility. 
• Support the development of liquid helium system specifications clarifying unique capabilities required for NASA’s research and development activities.  
• Review and document cryogenic facility requirements to ensure facility capabilities will meet needs to operate the liquid helium systems for support of the research and development activities related to space propulsion, launch, space-like environmental testing, and space science instrument R&D and qualification. 
• Support technical evaluation of liquid helium system proposals and contracts. 
• Assist other senior Aerospace CFM Team members. 

What You Need to be Successful – MTS Casual III- Systems Engineering 

Minimum Requirements: 

• A master’s degree in engineering, Physics, Applied Science, or another related STEM discipline. 
• Minimum of 15 years of industry work experience within systems engineering and/or project management  
• Demonstrated subject matter expert in cryogenics. 
• Experience in large scale cryogenic test facilities. 
• Prior experience supporting a NASA or other government Program Office 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills – ability to organize complex materials and concepts in clear and logical manner and communicate to all levels of leadership. 
• Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically approx. 5% (about 15 days in a working year) 
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:  

• Experience leading a team in test facility development. 
• A PhD degree in engineering, Physics, Applied Science, or another related STEM discipline 
• Technical Publications in the area of cryogenics 

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.