Expert Technical Contributor
Location : Huntsville, AL / Titusville, FL / Houston, TX / Remote
Clearance : Preferred (Active or Eligible)
Employment Type : Full-Time
Industry : Aerospace | Defense | National Security | Spaceflight
About the Role
Onyx Aerospace is seeking a highly experienced Expert Technical Contributor to join our flagship Onyx CONNECT program. This full-time position is ideal for a former senior government technical leader such as a NASA, NOAA, or DoD civil servant who has transitioned from federal service and is ready to continue driving innovation across space and defense missions. This role offers a chance to work on cutting-edge programs Artemis, SLS, Commercial LEO, and national defense platforms like Golden Dome and space situational awareness while mentoring emerging teams and shaping future architectures. Youll operate in an influential, high-trust role that draws on your deep subject matter knowledge, leadership experience, and strategic insight.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a principal technical advisor across NASA, defense, and commercial aerospace projects
- Lead or support systems engineering reviews, architecture assessments, and mission planning efforts
- Provide in-depth guidance on critical path technologies such as propulsion, avionics, flight software, safety, and crewed systems
- Contribute to program milestone decisions, technical strategy sessions, and customer briefings
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including government, industry, and academic partners
- Mentor early- and mid-career engineers, cultivating a culture of excellence and rigor
Areas of Technical Expertise (at least one required)
Launch Vehicle and Propulsion Systems (e.g., RS-25, RL10, solid propulsion, tanks)Crewed Spaceflight Systems and Flight Operations (e.g., Orion, ISS, ECLSS, EVA)Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNandC), AutonomySystems Engineering and Integration (SEandI)Aerospace Software (Flight, Ground, AI / ML-based modeling or digital engineering)Cryogenics, Thermal, and Structural SystemsNational Security or Dual-Use Aerospace Programs (classified or unclassified)Required Qualifications
20+ years of experience in engineering, program integration, or operations within NASA, DoD, or similar agenciesFormer federal civil servant or FFRDC / government contractor with deep mission knowledgeDemonstrated record of technical leadership, risk-informed decision-making, and cross-agency collaborationAbility to translate legacy systems expertise into forward-looking architecturesExcellent communication skills and a collaborative, mentoring approachActive or previous security clearance (preferred but not required)Why Join Onyx CONNECT?
Strategic Impact : Apply your lifetime of experience to solve todays most critical mission challengesFlexibility with Fulfillment : Work full-time in a role designed around your strengths and long-term goalsMission-Centric Culture : Join a company that values honesty, integrity, and customer mission success above allTechnical Legacy : Leave your mark by shaping programs that define the future of U.S. aerospace leadershipTrusted Relationships : Operate within an agile team trusted by NASA, DoD, and commercial space leaders