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Nasa Robotics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Nasa Robotics information

What is a NASA robotics engineer?

NASA robotics engineers are professionals who design, build, test, and operate robotic systems used in space exploration and related missions. These engineers work on technologies such as robotic arms for spacecraft, autonomous rovers for planetary exploration, and robotic systems for maintenance and repairs. Their work enables NASA to explore environments that are too dangerous or inaccessible for humans, like Mars or the Moon. Robotics engineers at NASA collaborate with scientists and other engineers to develop innovative solutions that advance space technology.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in NASA robotics?

To thrive as a NASA Robotics Engineer, you need a strong background in robotics, mechanical/electrical engineering, and programming, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with tools like MATLAB, ROS (Robot Operating System), CAD software, and familiarity with embedded systems or space-rated hardware is often required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills set you apart when working on complex, multidisciplinary projects. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the development of reliable robotic systems that can perform critical tasks in challenging space environments.

What challenges do professionals in NASA robotics face, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in NASA Robotics often face challenges such as designing systems for extreme environments, ensuring reliability with limited opportunities for maintenance, and integrating multidisciplinary technologies. Teams typically address these by fostering close collaboration between mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, conducting extensive simulations and testing, and utilizing iterative prototyping. Open communication and regular cross-functional meetings are essential to quickly identify and resolve integration issues, ensuring mission success and safety.

What is the difference between Nasa Robotics vs Nasa Mechanical Engineering?

AspectNasa RoboticsNasa Mechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Robotics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; experience with robotics systemsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; focus on design, analysis, and manufacturing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field testing, space mission sitesDesign offices, labs, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageRobotics systems for space exploration, automationMechanical systems for spacecraft, equipment, and infrastructure
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Nasa Robotics and Nasa Mechanical Engineering roles require engineering degrees, Nasa Robotics focuses on designing and developing robotic systems for space missions, whereas Nasa Mechanical Engineering emphasizes mechanical design and analysis of spacecraft components. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions within NASA's projects.

What are popular job titles related to Nasa Robotics jobs in Virginia?

For Nasa Robotics jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nasa Robotics jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Nasa Robotics jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Nasa Robotics job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

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.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Thermal Control Department is a team of experienced, trusted engineers with deep expertise in the design and analysis of spacecraft thermal control systems from component to system level. The department performs technical studies, experimental investigations, and real-time assessments to inform and enable key decisions by our customers and their contractors.

We are looking for a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical/Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering) with a strong background in the disciplines of heat transfer and thermal engineering and their applications to space systems; and direct experience in thermal design and control of spacecraft. The successful applicant will support both classified and unclassified spacecraft programs with emphasis on classified systems. They will engage and advocate for the best solutions, best practices, and best innovations for critical thermal control issues across the enterprise, both inside and outside Aerospace.

This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA, or El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Key customers are internal program offices representing defense and civil agencies, such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others

  • You will engage with impact with these internal and external customers to identify, track, and resolve design, workmanship, and performance issues relating to space vehicle and payload thermal control subsystems

  • You will deliver results as the thermal subject matter expert in thermal control systems for spacecraft and payloads. Lead and conduct analysis, modeling, simulation, experimental investigations, and assessments of designs and design concepts relating to spacecraft thermal control systems and their components. Participate in and review thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, design, integration, test, and flight operations

  • You will operate strategically, curating department knowledge and capabilities in thermal systems engineering, thermal analysis and design, and/or thermal control hardware

  • You will provide thermal engineering technical leadership of teams of 2 or more people in support of programs, interdepartmental projects, and broad engagement efforts

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Member of Technical Staff:

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field

  • 4 years or more of thermal engineering experience

  • Experience providing thermal engineering support at a system level for at least 2 different spacecraft programs, encompassing at least two major phases (e.g., Architecture, Design, Manufacturing, Test, Flight) for each program

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required

In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering:

  • 8 years or more of total thermal engineering experience

  • Experience leading integrated-team thermal engineering efforts: innovation projects, concurrent engineering, digital engineering, vehicle-level thermal design, hosted or multiple-payload missions, anomaly and root-cause investigation involving 2 or more people

How You Can Stand Out

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

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences

  • 10+ years direct spacecraft thermal engineering experience

  • Deep knowledge of cryogenics, two-phase thermophysics, or thermodynamics

  • Experience in adjacent engineering disciplines for spaceflight hardware: systems engineering, control systems, fluid or propulsion systems, power systems, flight software and telemetry systems, integration and test

  • Current and active TS/SCI clearance (SSBI)

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$117,300.00 - $175,900.00Pay Basis: Annual

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 various 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 equalopportunity employer. 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.