Department: College of Science
Classification: Research Staff 12-month
Job Category: Research Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa
sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and
experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
George Mason University, a Carnegie Research I institution, is
Virginia’s largest and most diverse university with more than
38,000 students. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason is part of the
Washington DC metropolitan area offering easy access to the
scientific and political resources of the nation’s capital.
George Mason University is committed to advancing inclusion,
access, and equal opportunity throughout our community. We believe
that a broad range of voices, cultures, and perspectives brings
vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community.
The Landolt Mission team is responsible for developing and
executing a NASA space-based mission through coordinated work
across science, payload, spacecraft bus, software, systems
engineering, integration and test, mission assurance, and project
management functions. The unit provides an interdisciplinary
research and training environment for faculty, postdoctoral
researchers, engineers, staff, and students working collaboratively
with federal, academic, commercial, and other external
partners.
The Landolt Mission team supports mission formulation, systems
engineering, subsystem coordination, technical trade studies,
requirements development, verification and validation planning,
assembly, integration and testing, technical documentation, mission
reviews, and mission operations planning. The unit works
collaboratively across payload, spacecraft bus, software, ground
systems, mission operations, science, and programmatic interfaces
to advance mission objectives and meet NASA requirements.
Statement on Building an Inclusive Culture: George Mason
University's College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to
advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free
from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our
STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an
organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and
civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and
perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation, and growth to
an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in
academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to
attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission
and vision.
About the Position:
The Instrument Systems Engineer is sponsored by the NASA Landolt
mission. The duties include (at a different level of involvement
and responsibility):
- Contributes to all aspects of payload instrument design and
development including mechanical, electrical, software, procedural,
and regulatory compliance as a member of the instrument team.
Participates in the assembly, integration, and testing of
components, modules, and fully integrated instruments, ensuring
seamless integration with the satellite bus.
Runs data collection, analysis, and simulation studies to
define the instrument performance. Develops procedures and
techniques to process data from the space-based Landolt Mission
instrument, while continuously enhancing its performance.
Documents activities for the Landolt Mission through mission
reviews, reports, documentation, and technical publications in a
manner consistent with space-based projects and published results
in professional scientific journals.
Collaborates effectively within a diverse, multi-institutional
team environment comprising scientists, engineers, students,
project managers, and support staff across federal, academic, and
commercial partners.
Fosters a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness,
excellence, and innovation. Champions George Mason University's
commitment to Access, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to
create an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes a
commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.
Responsibilities:
Executes NASA Landolt Mission throughout its Lifecycle:
- Work closely with mission leadership; and
- Co-manage daily operations and resource utilization.
Instrument Systems Development:
- Develop, integrate, and test structural, embedded, electronic,
and software components for engineering demonstration units,
mockups, test stations, and flight hardware;
- Carry out system assembly and integration;
- Comply with NASA space system requirements and procedures;
and
- Execute system testing and characterize system components and
subsystems.
Reporting:
- Co-lead writing and production of formal technical reports,
progress reports, and reviews for NASA (e.g., CSR, SRR, MDR, PDR,
CDR, FRR, ORR) in a manner consistent with NASA’s documentation
requirements, standards, and guidelines (e.g., NPR 7120.5/8);
- Write papers for professional journals and conferences;
- Attend meetings with sponsors, collaborators, and partners
across federal, commercial, and academic sectors, with occasional
travel outside the DC metropolitan area as required; and
- Assist in the pursuit of new and continued Mason Space Center
projects and funding support (e.g., new and extended
missions/projects).
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical or Computer
Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field;
- Knowledge of NASA procedures and practices; and
- Knowledge of space system development, integration, and
testing.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical or Computer
Engineering, Systems Engineering or related field with an emphasis
on space systems development;
- Experience with space hardware, electronics, embedded system
development, and NASA procedures and practices;
- Additional experience in CAD structural design for mechanical
components, electronic prototyping, and Python programming would be
beneficial;
- Experience with embedded system development, particularly
programming MSP430 microcontrollers in C is preferred;
- Experience in the design, development, and testing of space
instruments, payloads, and electronic systems;
- Possess a solid foundation in optics, hardware, electronics,
and embedded software for space applications, along with
proficiency in Linux; and
- Strong programming skills in Python and C are desired.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the
Instrument Systems Engineer at
https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online
application to include three professional references with contact
information, and provide a CV and a statement of interest and
experience.
Posting Open Date: October 23, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: December 1, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research
university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous
world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest
and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering
degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,
along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for
students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We
believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing
our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and
we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of
origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its
community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or
veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at
http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/