Command and Data Handling Systems Lead

Houston, TX

Full Time

Experienced

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.

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Command and Data Handling Systems Lead

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