Aerospace Engineer - AST, Safety & Mission Assurance (Direct Hire)

Job Details

Qualifications & Requirements

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Demonstrating expert-level proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., fault tree analysis, event and causal factor tree, etc) applied within real-world mishap or accident investigations. Participating in or leading mishap, accident, or close call investigations in a high-risk, technical, or operational environment. Teaching, mentoring, or facilitating root cause analysis and mishap investigation processes in formal training environments. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.

Position Overview

The Mishap Investigation Engineer serves as a subject matter expert supporting the NASA Safety Center's Mishap Prevention and Organizational Performance Office. Provides advanced engineering expertise in mishap and close call investigations, with primary emphasis on expert application and instruction of root cause analysis (RCA). Advises NASA and contractor organizations on conducting high-quality investigations ensuring technical accuracy, analytical rigor, and compliance with Agency policy.

Duties

• Serve as a technical expert in root cause analysis, ensuring consistent application of rigorous RCA methodologies across NASA mishap and close call investigations.
• Lead and support mishap investigation boards by providing engineering analysis, investigative oversight, and expert guidance on causal determination and corrective actions.
• Develop, deliver, and continuously improve formal RCA and mishap investigation training; instruct both in-person and virtual courses for NASA and external organizations, with emphasis on practical application in accident investigation environments.
• Provide hands-on support to active investigations, ensuring analyses are technically sound, evidence-based, and aligned with best practices in accident investigation and systems engineering.
• Review and evaluate mishap investigation reports to ensure root causes are properly identified, supported by data, and clearly linked to effective corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain Agency policies, standards, and guidance related to mishap investigations and RCA and contribute to the development of advanced tools and processes to strengthen the Agency’s mishap investigation and prevention capabilities.
• Conduct Mishap Program Health Assessments across NASA Centers, focusing on the quality and effectiveness of investigative processes and RCA implementation.
• Represent NASA on internal and external working groups related to mishap investigation, safety engineering, and root cause analysis.