NASA Mission Evaluation & Technical Subject Matter Expert – Future Opportunities

| Future Talent Pipeline | Part-Time / Consultant Opportunities

Cornell Technical Services (CTS) is building its network of experienced technical, scientific, management, and program professionals to support anticipated NASA proposal evaluations, mission assessments, and related studies in 2027 and beyond.

These are future pipeline opportunities rather than immediate openings. We are proactively connecting with highly qualified professionals whose expertise may align with anticipated evaluation and assessment needs as opportunities develop.

CTS provides subject matter expertise to support NASA-related evaluations involving missions, spacecraft, instruments, systems, and programs across Earth and space science. Our SMEs participate on review teams conducting in-depth technical, management, and cost assessments of proposals and mission concepts.

Areas of Interest

We are particularly interested in building relationships with experienced professionals with significant, hands-on responsibility in one or more of the following areas:

Technical & Mission Expertise

• Flight Systems
• Mission Design & Operations
• Trajectory Analysis
• Ground Systems
• Spacecraft Design, Development & Operations
• Spacecraft Subsystems
• Systems Engineering
• Space Communications and Ground Systems
• Mission Architecture and Mission Integration
• Space-Based Instrumentation
• Instrument Design, Development and Operations
• Active and Passive Sensors
• Particles and Fields / In-Situ Instrumentation
• Radiation and radiation-related engineering
• Other specialized instrument or mission technologies

Programmatic & Evaluation Expertise

• Cost Analysis & Cost Assessment
• Program / Project Scheduling
• Technical Program Management
• Mission Management and Leadership
• Quality Assurance and related evaluation disciplines
• Risk, technical readiness, and programmatic assessment
• Small Business / Organizational Assessment
• Other specialized evaluation disciplines as opportunities warrant

Contracts, Financial & Business Support

We are also developing a pipeline of professionals who can support the broader business and programmatic aspects of NASA-related evaluation activities, including:

• Senior Contracts Professionals
• Financial / Business Analysts
• Program or Project Support Professionals
• Regulatory and Export Control Specialists
• Experienced legal or compliance professionals with relevant aerospace, government, or export-control expertise

What the Work May Look Like

Future assignments may involve serving as a Subject Matter Expert or evaluator on a multidisciplinary review team conducting detailed assessments of technical, management, cost, schedule, or other aspects of proposals and mission concepts.

Assignments are generally:

• Part-time and project-based
• Remote with potential for limited travel
• Conducted on anas-needed basis
• Potentially several months in duration, depending on the assignment
• Structured around review activities, technical discussions, teleconferences, and evaluation responsibilities
• Appropriate for experienced professionals who may be interested in applying their expertise without committing to a traditional full-time position

The specific scope, schedule, workload, and engagement structure will vary based on the opportunity and the individual's area of expertise.

Who We Are Looking For

CTS is interested in connecting with accomplished professionals who have:

• Significant direct, hands-on experience in their area of expertise
• Experience with complex aerospace, scientific, engineering, government, or technical programs
• The ability to independently analyze complex information and provide objective, well-supported assessments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to collaborate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary evaluation team
• Professional judgment and attention to detail
• Availability for occasional or project-based assignments

Previous experience supporting NASA, other government agencies, aerospace organizations, research institutions, or comparable complex technical programs may be relevant depending on the assignment.

Qualifications

Qualifications will vary according to the area of expertise. Candidates should generally have:

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM, business, technical, or related discipline appropriate to their area of expertise
• Significant professional experience relevant to the evaluation discipline
• Demonstrated technical, scientific, management, cost, schedule, contracts, financial, or other specialized expertise

Certain assignments may have additional eligibility, citizenship, conflict-of-interest, or other requirements. CTS will work with candidates to determine eligibility and identify any potential conflicts of interest before an individual is considered for a specific assignment.

Why Join the CTS Talent Network?

Joining our pipeline allows experienced professionals to establish a relationship with CTS before a specific opportunity becomes available.

As future NASA-related evaluation and assessment opportunities develop, CTS may contact qualified professionals whose experience aligns with the needs of a particular assignment to discuss:

• Interest and availability
• Relevant technical or professional experience
• Potential conflicts of interest
• Assignment requirements
• Engagement structure and anticipated schedule

***Not every individual in the CTS talent network will be contacted for every opportunity. Selection will depend on the specific expertise, qualifications, availability, and requirements associated with each assignment.***

Interested in Future Opportunities?

If you are an experienced aerospace, engineering, scientific, programmatic, financial, contracts, or other technical professional interested in future part-time or consulting opportunities supporting NASA-related evaluation activities, we would like to hear from you.

Apply to join the CTS 2027+ Talent Pipeline and tell us about your area of expertise, professional background, and the types of assignments that interest you.

Cornell Technical Services (CTS)

Connecting experienced professionals with meaningful opportunities to support NASA missions and programs.

CTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices regardless of employment type.

Originally posted on Himalayas