• Systems Engineer

    Metis Technology Solutions, Inc (Moffett Field, CA)


    NASA Ames Aerospace Engineer – Air Traffic Management & Safety

    Position Description

    NASA’s Air Traffic Management & Safety (ATMS) project is focused on transforming the aviation system for today and tomorrow by enabling faster, safer, and more resilient operations through automation. This position supports NASA’s efforts to evaluate digital services, AI/ML, and prognostic tools to inform aviation safety practices and enable effective responses to prevent and resolve aviation disruptions. The role will also contribute to the safe and efficient integration of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the National Airspace System (NAS).

    Job Responsibilities

    Conduct research on current NAS operations and identify gaps or challenges related to eVTOL integration.

     

    Analyze enroute operations, vertiport access, approach/departure procedures, and novel use cases for eVTOL aircraft.

     

    Evaluate existing national policies and recommend updates or new policy frameworks.

     

    Develop and run simulations using MATLAB, Simulink, and Python to assess eVTOL performance and operability.

     

    Model traffic flows, separation standards, and airspace usage scenarios involving eVTOL aircraft.

     

    Support development of operational concepts for vertiport integration and terminal area procedures.

     

    Collaborate with FAA, industry partners, and internal NASA teams to gather input and validate findings.

     

    Participate in technical interchange meetings, workshops, and policy development sessions.

     

    Prepare technical reports, white papers, and presentations summarizing research findings and recommendations.

     

    Become familiar with FAA orders, NAS operations, and emerging eVTOL concepts.

    Required Education/Skills

    Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation, Systems Engineering, or related field, or a minimum of four years of experience as an air traffic controller (radar), navigator, instrument-rated pilot, or instrument flight procedure developer.

     

    Proficiency in MATLAB and Simulink for modeling and simulation.

     

    Advanced programming skills in Python, including data analysis and visualization.

     

    Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

     

    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

     

    Proficiency in MS Office/Office 365.

     

    Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

     

    Other

     

    Must be local to the NASA Ames commuting area.

     

    May work remotely; however, support of research will require on-site presence for NASA simulations and research.

     

    No Visa sponsorship available for this position

     

    EEOE including Vets and Disability