Aerospace Engineer 3 – 5 RP

Job Summary

Involves engineering design and development of aerospace systems including scientific instruments for spacecraft and satellite command and control systems. Ensures the safe integration and testing of spacecraft to the launch vehicle and coordinates their operation in orbit.

Job Title	Aerospace Engineer 3 RP	Aerospace Engineer 4 RP	Aerospace Engineer 5 RP
Job Code	5222	5223	5224
Bargaining Unit	RP	RP	RP
FLSA	Exempt	Exempt	Exempt
Generic Scope	Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems / issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.	Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.	Recognized organization-wide expert. Has significant impact and influence on organizational policy and program development. Regularly leads projects of critical importance to the organization; these projects carry substantial consequences of success or failure. Directs programs with organization-wide impact (or may have impact beyond the University) that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources. Significant barriers to entry exist at this level.
Custom Scope	Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced professional in a specialized engineering phase of a major development effort. Systems responsibility covering relevant engineering specialties (electronic, mechanical or electrical) engaged at the instrument level. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Typically, the bargaining unit job code should be used for work covered by this title. However, if the position is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) due to one of the following reasons—(1) Confidential status, where duties normally require access to confidential information that significantly influences the development of management’s bargaining or grievance positions; (2) employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees; or (3) Supervisory status, where duties include supervising employees as a regular part of the job—then the position should be listed under the generic title without the “RP” ending.	Uses advanced engineering systems concepts for integrating all components and engineering fields (electronic, mechanical or electrical). Represents the Principal Investigator at meetings and conferences. Key assistant to the Principal Investigator for research and design and project management. Liaison in work coordination among other research institutions and to NASA technical review teams. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Typically, the bargaining unit job code should be used for work covered by this title. However, if the position is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) due to one of the following reasons—(1) Confidential status, where duties normally require access to confidential information that significantly influences the development of management’s bargaining or grievance positions; (2) employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees; or (3) Supervisory status, where duties include supervising employees as a regular part of the job—then the position should be listed under the generic title without the “RP” ending.	Having wide-ranging experience, recognized among other industry and NASA as experts in their field of engineering specialty. Independently performs top-level system architecture and detailed overall design for the most critical space-qualified instruments and spacecraft design. Involves significant industry-wide engineering projects and initiatives in terms of scope, impact, complexity and financial expenditure. Oversees all aspects of system development, ensuring project objectives and requirements are met. Strategic member of multiple national and international communities, providing significant expertise and exposure to the Campus on new initiatives. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Typically, the bargaining unit job code should be used for work covered by this title. However, if the position is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) due to one of the following reasons—(1) Confidential status, where duties normally require access to confidential information that significantly influences the development of management’s bargaining or grievance positions; (2) employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees; or (3) Supervisory status, where duties include supervising employees as a regular part of the job—then the position should be listed under the generic title without the “RP” ending.
Key Resp 01	Provides professional engineering information and advice to systems engineers and management in area of specialty.	Applies advanced theoretical and / or mathematical approaches in determining the feasibility of engineering designs.	Involves projects where the Campus is leading and incumbent has full accountability, or projects where the Campus plays a substantial role, but under the aegis of another institution or agency such as NASA.
Key Resp 02	Plans, organizes and supervises lower-level engineers and technical staff engaged in design, construction and testing of space flight instruments.	Plans, organizes and supervises lower-level engineers and technical staff engaged in design, construction and testing of space flight instruments.	Designs instruments and spacecraft systems; analyzes failure modes to ensure maximum robustness of the spacecraft instruments and systems with severe weight, power, thermal and volume constraints.
Key Resp 03	Consults and collaborates with Principal Investigators (PIs), shop personnel, vendors and other component engineers.	Systems engineering responsibility to ensure the effective design and integration of all components and engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical and electronic.	Carries a high level of authority in engineering considerations; works closely with scientists, manufacturers, contractors and Campus staff to ensure design and construction of instruments and systems will provide for successful completion of the mission’s scientific objectives.
Key Resp 04	Carries system engineering responsibility covering relevant engineering specialties engaged in the instrument level.	Develops specifications for aerospace component procurements.	Performs cutting edge design work, often in the role of lead design architect.
Key Resp 05	May supervise or coordinates technicians and shop personnel involved in assembly and testing of component parts.	Integrates the activities of multiple sub-specialties of one of the Aerospace Engineering disciplines or covering several engineering specialties.	Oversees all aspects of system development, ensures project objectives and requirements are met.
Key Resp 06	Develops specifications for aerospace parts procurements; works with other research organizations in the development of the component.	Represents the PI at meetings and conferences to include Campus, University and extramural funding agencies in matters related to engineering design.	Publishes papers at completion of projects.
Key Resp 07	Coordinates work at other research institutions and reports to NASA technical review teams.	Carries major responsibility for accomplishment of research objectives in relationships with investigators, contractors and Campus staff.	Overall engineering responsibility for a system architecture design in a highly specialized area of a large, complex spaceflight mission.
Key Resp 08	Designs electrical, mechanical, electronic and / or optical instruments and of computer-associated systems and equipment.	Works with spacecraft management in meeting technical requirements within schedule and budget; revises the design and verification as needed; provides all design and verification data to NASA for integration to the spacecraft.	Directs the work of aerospace contractors or research institutions in area of expertise.
Key Resp 09	Performs the recording and reduction of test data for instrument design and evaluation purposes.	May lead a team of lower-level professional engineers and technicians.	Interacts with management to ensure projects are within cost and on schedule.
Key Resp 10	Gathers, analyzes and prepares information and prepare reports with respect to feasibility, engineering design criteria and performance of their components.		Presents report and makes recommendations to NASA or other government agency technical review teams.
Key Resp 11	Provides supervision and guidance to lower-level professional engineers and technician staff.		May supervise the work of team as it enters the development phase of the project.
Key Resp 12	Implements related business processes.		Regularly leads analyses determining approaches and uses.
Key Resp 13			Guides the gathering of information during planning stages.
Education	Advanced degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training	Advanced degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training	Doctorate or advanced degree with significant post-graduate work in related field
Education	Post-graduate level course work in related area preferred.	Post-graduate level course work in related area preferred.
Special Condition	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
KSA 01	Thorough skills in the design, development and construction of space systems, including one successful aerospace product.	Advanced skills in the planning, development and construction of space systems, including one successful complex space instrument from concept development through operation.	Specialist in the development of top-level system architecture for spaceflight applications of large programs.
KSA 02	Specialist in at least one discipline (electrical, electronic or mechanical).	Knowledge and skills in systems engineering covering disciplines (electrical, electronic or mechanical) engaged at the instrument level.	Expert knowledge of highly specialized design work.
KSA 03	Thorough systems knowledge of other engineering specialties in order to integrate at the instrument level.	Advanced systems knowledge to effectively integrate multiple engineering fields.	Expert skills in planning, development and construction of the most complex and significant engineering projects and initiatives.
KSA 04	Thorough skills in supervising lower-level professional engineering and technical staff to ensure objectives are met in adherence to quality standards.	Skills in project management to include organization, planning, quality assurance and scheduling.	In-depth, expert level knowledge of the aerospace field and applies principles, practices and procedures within the discipline to complete the most difficult and complex assignments.
KSA 05		Skills in supervising staff and establishing work objectives.	Skills in engineering architecture in two or more successful complex space instruments.
KSA 06			Highly advanced skills as expert in the field and meeting accountability of research objectives.
KSA 07			Strong skills in meeting deadlines and ensuring quality standards.
Environment	Laboratory, farm or research facility, research field stations or remote sites	Laboratory, farm or research facility, research field stations or remote sites	Laboratory, farm or research facility, research field stations or remote sites