Aerospace Engineer 2

AEROSPACE ENGR 2 RP (005221)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_2841

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

4/30/2026 3:58:27 PM

Date Last Edited:

4/30/2026 3:58:18 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1340D

Division:

L&S PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Department:

099500 - EARTH, PLANETARY, AND SPACE SCIENCES

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_2841

Position Description ID

233639

UC Payroll Title:

AEROSPACE ENGR 2 RP (005221)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RP: Research and Public Service PR

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40037586

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROFESSOR

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40059547

Department Head Payroll Title:

CHAIR

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The NEO Surveyor assistant survey scientist will assist the Principal Investigator and Science Team in developing the NEO Surveyor survey plan, which determines where the Observatory points as a function of time. The assistant survey scientist will participate in testing and verifying that the survey plan obeys survey rules defined by the Science Team. The assistant survey scientist will also participate actively in studying the ability to link detections of small body candidates observed by NEO Surveyor to ensure that they result in the determination of high quality orbits.

The Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences is an academic unit within the UCLA Division of Physical Sciences.

Survey Plan development

Participate in developing the NEO Surveyor survey plan, which determines where the NEO Surveyor Observatory points as a function of time.  The survey plan needs to obey survey rules defined by the NEO Surveyor Science Team.  Assistant survey scientist will work with the PI and Science Team, taking general direction on aspects of survey plan development and developing the detailed implementation.  This will include creating survey models using existing data in the published literature.  Asst. survey scientist will program in Python or equivalent language.

25%

Data analysis and processing

Assist the PI and Science Team in studying the ability of NEO Surveyor to link detections of small body candidates observed by NEO Surveyor, and ensure they result in the determination of high-quality orbits.

10%

Testing

Work with PI, Science Team and wider NEO Surveyor team to create a detailed test approach, plan and procedures for testing the survey plan to verify the survey plan obeys the mission’s survey rules. Development of the test approach and plan will involve other Project organizations as well.

20%

Collaboration across Project organizations

Assist PI and Science Team in working with various other members of the NEO Surveyor Project team at partner organizations including, but not limited to, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), Space Dynamics Laboratory, and Caltech/IPAC.  Assistant survey scientist will interpret information and data from these and other Project personnel on a continual basis and incorporate it into subsequent survey plan development.

15%

Publishing

Work with PI and Science Team to write and publish in peer-reviewed journals on research related to NEO Surveyor and represent the PI and Project at domestic and international conferences, workshops, and meetings. Present results to the Project and Science Team via telecons and written reports as well as in person.

30%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

In related area and / or equivalent experience/training.

Required

PhD

Planetary science, computer science, math, physics, astronomy or related discipline, or equivalent experience/training

Preferred

1+ years

Research experience in planetary astrophysics, solar system bodies, exoplanets or related subarea(s)

Required

2+ years

Python or equiv. language programming

Required

1-2 years

Working with large teams

Preferred

Strong Python programming skills

Required

Ability to interpret copious amounts of complex technical information and data

Required

Able to represent the interests of the Principal Investigator in technical meetings across the project as the project goes through development and prepares for launch

Required

Able to provide the Principal Investigator with recommendations on technical approaches that will meet budget and schedule objectives

Required

Proven record of successful research and strong communications skills

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Slichter Hall

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.