Entrylevel Flight Dynamics Engineer Jobs in Virginia

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering models services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.

The NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Services III (SMAS III) contract supports the Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) Directorate at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). Wallops Flight Facility is NASA's only owned-and-operated launch range, providing agile, low-cost flight and launch range services supporting suborbital and orbital missions for NASA and other federal agencies.

Relative Dynamics is seeking a Software Assurance Engineer who will provide on-site software assurance support at WFF, ensuring that ground and flight software associated with launch range operations and supported missions complies with applicable NASA standards, policies, and contractual requirements throughout the full software lifecycle. This position is a part time role and requires an active and current Secret security clearance.

What You'll Need:

Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.

• Due to the nature of this work, an active and current Secret security clearance is required at the time of application and must be maintained throughout employment.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience applying NPR 7150.2, NASA Software Engineering Requirements.
• Familiarity with NASA-STD-8739.8, Software Assurance and Software Safety Standard.
• Experience conducting or supporting software assurance activities across the software development lifecycle, including requirements review, design reviews, code inspections, test witnessing, and configuration audits.
• Working knowledge of NASA-STD-8739.9, Software Formal Inspections Standard, and ability to support peer reviews and formal inspections.
• Proficiency in interpreting Software Development Plans (SDPs), Software Requirements Specifications (SRS), Software Design Descriptions (SDDs), Software Test Plans (STPs), and Software Version Descriptions (SVDs) for compliance with applicable requirements.
• Experience with software configuration management principles and standards.
• Ability to identify, document, and track software nonconformances, corrective actions, and waivers/deviations through resolution.
• Familiarity with safety-critical software concepts, including hazard analysis, safety-critical determinations, and supplementary requirements for safety-critical classification under NPR 7150.2.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear audit reports, assessment findings, and surveillance records for government customers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a NASA facility badge and pass applicable background screening requirements for access to WFF.

Desired Experience and Skills

• Experience supporting NASA SMA or software assurance functions at Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Facility, or another NASA Center.
• Familiarity with NASA-HDBK-2203, the NASA Software Engineering and Assurance Handbook, and the ability to apply its guidance to practical implementation scenarios.
• Experience with Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) activities or familiarity with the NASA IV&V program and the criteria governing IV&V selection per SWE-141.
• Understanding of launch range software environments, including range safety systems, telemetry, command and control, or ground support equipment software.
• Experience supporting software assurance on sounding rockets, small launch vehicles, or science balloon programs.
• Familiarity with NPR 7120.5 (NASA Space Flight Program and Project Management Requirements) and NPR 7123.1 (NASA Systems Engineering Processes and Requirements) as they relate to software lifecycle integration.
• Familiarity with software safety standards such as NASA-STD-8719.13 (NASA Software Safety Standard) and related federal and industry standards.

What You Won't Do:

• Feel stuck as we offer great opportunities to advance and learn
• Feel like a number as we're a close-knit bunch and always have each others backs

Who You Are:

• A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
• A quick learner who is always ready to gain depth of knowledge
• A reliable worker who knows the importance of showing up when it counts
• Accept assignments with open cooperative positive and team-oriented attitudes
• Able to plan and execute plans across teams
• Effective communicator both written and verbal

What You'll Enjoy:

• Competitive wage and benefits package
• Medical, dental, vision and life/disability insurance
• Vacation and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Great 401k with company match
• Employee referral program
• Community involvement investing and giving back to the community

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.