Command and Data Handling Systems Lead

METECS Houston, Texas, United States Full-Time Admin/Clerical/Secretarial

About this position

METECS is an engineering and applied technology company providing high‑fidelity simulation, avionics, and systems engineering solutions in support of NASA’s human spaceflight programs. We are seeking a Command and Data Handling (C&DH) Systems Lead to support NASA’s Surface Exploration Avionics Lab (SEAL) within the Avionics Systems Division.

In this role, you will serve as the technical lead for C&DH ground test and emulation systems used to verify and validate lunar surface avionics. You will lead planning, requirements development, system design, integration, verification, and operational support for complex C&DH architectures that enable safe, reliable, and interoperable lunar surface systems.

This position requires hands‑on technical leadership, cross‑discipline coordination, and direct interaction with NASA stakeholders and contractor teams.

Key Responsibilities:
 

  • Provide technical leadership for the planning, design, acquisition, configuration, testing, deployment, operation, and maintenance of C&DH ground test and emulation systems supporting lunar surface exploration.
  • Lead C&DH requirements development, requirements integration, DDT&E activities, and trade space evaluations across surface exploration architectures.
  • Coordinate C&DH activities across SEAL architecture emulations, ensuring consistency, interoperability, and technical integrity.
  • Develop and support verification approaches and requirements closure in coordination with the Requirements, Interfaces, and Verification (RIV) team.
  • Support identification, analysis, and closure of risks, including cross‑discipline risks requiring C&DH technical input.
  • Provide technical oversight of contractor activities, including monitoring contracted work performed on‑site or at contractor facilities.
  • Lead or support system‑level studies of avionics, computing, communications, navigation, and control systems to ensure safety, suitability, and operational effectiveness.
  • Interface with NASA customers and stakeholders to define, negotiate, and manage technical and programmatic requirements.
  • Support synchronization reviews and major project milestones.

Required Qualifications:
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (advanced degree preferred).
  • Significant experience in avionics, C&DH systems, embedded systems, or complex aerospace system development.
  • Demonstrated experience leading system requirements development, integration, verification, and validation activities.
  • Strong understanding of system performance considerations, including safety, reliability, maintainability, technical risk, and lifecycle cost.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in the English language.
  • Ability to work on‑site at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Desired Qualifications:
 
  • Experience with lunar, surface, or human spaceflight avionics systems.
  • Familiarity with ground test systems, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL), and system emulation environments.
  • Experience supporting SRR, SDR, and other formal NASA technical reviews.
  • Background in multidisciplinary systems engineering and cross‑domain integration.
  • Project or technical team leadership experience in an aerospace or government environment.
  • Experience providing technical direction and oversight of contractor teams.



Citizenship or lawful permanent resident required due to federal position.

About METECS

METECS is a high‑performance team delivering advanced engineering, software, simulation, and analysis solutions for human spaceflight and terrestrial applications. We support NASA and commercial customers using a wide range of in‑house, commercial, and open‑source technologies. Our core strengths include avionics integration, embedded systems, hardware/software integration, simulation, robotics, automation, and advanced visualization.

METECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Powered by JazzHR