Part Time Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Location: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), Edwards AFB, CA or Contractor Facility Employment Type: Part-Time (Approximately 24-32 hours per week) Job Summary The Operations Engineer provides senior-level engineering and technical leadership in support of NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center's (AFRC) Flight Operations Directorate (Code 430) under the Engineering and Technical Support Services (ETSS) contract. This position supports the planning, coordination, and execution of flight test and ground operations for piloted, remotely operated, and autonomous aircraft. The engineer applies deep systems knowledge to support flight readiness, configuration management, and mission integration activities ensuring safe and efficient operations that meet NASA AFRC research and test objectives.

The Operations Engineer works across disciplines-bridging design, maintenance, and operations-to support flight test integration, operational risk management, and mission execution. This is a part-time position (approximately 24-32 hours per week) with a flexible schedule based on project demands. Primary Responsibilities Provide engineering and operational oversight for flight test and research missions under the Flight Operations Directorate (Code 430).

Support flight test planning, readiness reviews, and mission risk assessments for piloted and autonomous aircraft. Develop and maintain flight operations documentation, configuration management records, and procedural controls. Participate in control-room and flight-line operations to provide real-time engineering coordination and problem-solving.

Collaborate with project engineers, pilots, and flight safety personnel to ensure mission objectives and technical requirements are met. Evaluate and implement airworthiness, risk mitigation, and configuration-control processes. Support ground test setup, telemetry monitoring, and flight data analysis.

Contribute to safety reviews, system validation, and mission debriefs, including technical reporting and post-flight analysis. Develop and refine process improvements that enhance safety, operational efficiency, and readiness. Interface with maintenance, range, and logistics teams to ensure flight support equipment and systems are mission-ready.

Work Environment & Schedule On-site at NASA AFRC (Edwards AFB) or contractor facility. Typical Schedule: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM, 9/80 compressed schedule, flexible based on project demands. Part-time position: Approximately 24-32 hours per week, with flexibility to meet mission or test needs.

Work includes flight line, hangar, and control-room environments, requiring PPE and adherence to NASA safety procedures. Occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required to support flight or range events. Key Benefits and Impact Directly support NASA's flight research and test operations, advancing next-generation aerospace technologies.

Collaborate with NASA engineers, test pilots, and program managers on cutting-edge projects such as Global Hawk and Sky Range. Contribute to flight safety, operational readiness, and autonomous system development. Influence mission success and process improvement across multiple test and research programs.

Enjoy a flexible, part-time schedule while maintaining engagement in high-impact aerospace research.Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or Physical Science. At least 20 years of relevant engineering experience, including 5 years as a Principal Investigator, Group Leader, Project Engineer, or Project Manager, or equivalent. A Master's degree may substitute for 2 years of experience; a Doctorate may substitute for 5 years of experience

Proven experience in flight operations engineering, test coordination, or systems integration. Knowledge of flight safety, airworthiness, and range operations processes. Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation, procedures, and test plans.

Excellent communication and leadership skills supporting multi-disciplinary flight operations teams. Proficiency in engineering and data-analysis tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent. U.S

Citizenship required (NASA facility access). Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting NASA Armstrong flight operations or DoD flight test programs. Familiarity with autonomous and unmanned flight systems, including flight-test and range coordination.

Knowledge of aircraft systems engineering, telemetry, and instrumentation integration. Experience with control-room operations, flight readiness, and test execution. Knowledge of NASA or FAA airworthiness documentation, flight operations manuals, and risk management processes.

Experience with NASA Global Hawk aircraft and Sky Range project is highly desirable. Ability to obtain or maintain DoD or NASA range access credentials.Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or Physical Science. At least 20 years of relevant engineering experience, including 5 years as a Principal Investigator, Group Leader, Project Engineer, or Project Manager, or equivalent

A Master's degree may substitute for 2 years of experience; a Doctorate may substitute for 5 years of experience. Proven experience in flight operations engineering, test coordination, or systems integration. Knowledge of flight safety, airworthiness, and range operations processes.

Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation, procedures, and test plans. Excellent communication and leadership skills supporting multi-disciplinary flight operations teams. Proficiency in engineering and data-analysis tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent.

U.S. Citizenship required (NASA facility access). Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting NASA Armstrong flight operations or DoD flight test programs

Familiarity with autonomous and unmanned flight systems, including flight-test and range coordination. Knowledge of aircraft systems engineering, telemetry, and instrumentation integration. Experience with control-room operations, flight readiness, and test execution.

Knowledge of NASA or FAA airworthiness documentation, flight operations manuals, and risk management processes. Experience with NASA Global Hawk aircraft and Sky Range project is highly desirable. Ability to obtain or maintain DoD or NASA range access credentials.