International Space Station Flight Controller - Trajectory Operations & Planning Officer (TOPO)

Barrios Technology•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Barrios Technology is an engineering solutions partner with more than 45 years of experience supporting NASA and the commercial space industry. We deliver innovative engineering, software, and technology integration services across NASA centers nationwide. Barrios prides itself on a people-focused culture that values creativity, diversity, professional growth, and a healthy work–life balance. We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. Bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for support of the International Space Station. Currently there is an exciting opportunity for an International Space Station Flight Controller - Trajectory Operations & Planning Officer (TOPO) to join the Barrios team at Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX. When astronauts look out the window of the International Space Station, the view is serene. Behind the scenes, ensuring that serenity continues is the Trajectory Operations and Planning Officer (TOPO, pronounced “toe-poe”). The TOPO is responsible for knowing precisely where the ISS and its supporting vehicles are, where they will be, and ensuring they remain safe from orbital hazards in an increasingly complex space environment.This position supports the TOPO group within the Flight Dynamics Division of NASA's Flight Operations Directorate at Johnson Space Center under the Integrated Mission Operations Contract III (IMOC III). As a contract TOPO, the primary responsibility will be to attain and maintain a flight controller certification aligned with current and future NASA human spaceflight programs.TOPOs process orbit determination data from multiple sources to maintain accurate state vectors for the ISS, Visiting Vehicles, Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), and orbital debris populations. From both the console and the office environment, TOPOs generate trajectory products that support long-term planning and short-term execution, including ISS altitude strategy, translation maneuvers, and debris avoidance planning.Once certified, TOPOs coordinate and monitor all ISS translation maneuvers, assess conjunction risks, and plan debris avoidance maneuvers as required. In addition to real-time operations, TOPOs develop and maintain flight rules, console procedures, technical references, and operational products that underpin safe and effective mission execution.TOPOs also collaborate extensively with NASA programs, International Partners, and commercial vehicle providers to support new vehicle integration, evolving operational concepts, and future mission architectures. As experience grows, certified TOPOs are expected to contribute to the training and mentoring of new TOPO candidates. Flight controller training includes structured self-study, simulations, proficiency evaluations, and on-the-job training under the guidance of an assigned mentor. In addition to technical mastery, trainees develop the communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills required to operate effectively in a real-time mission environment. Training may also be tailored to support evolving mission architectures as NASA transitions from ISS operations to future human spaceflight programs. During missions and simulations, TOPOs must support a flexible work schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call support. This role provides 24/7/365 coverage, with elevated support during dynamic events such as extravehicular activities (EVAs), ISS reboosts/deboosts, debris avoidance maneuvers, visiting vehicle dockings and undockings, and CubeSat deployments. The position also involves software tool development, data validation, and analysis, directly supporting real-time operations. You will contribute to the development and verification of mission-critical applications, tools used to assess conjunction risks and evaluate launch and collision avoidance impacts relative to the ISS trajectory. As part of the Software Development Life Cycle, you will participate in code reviews, unit testing, and software documentation (SRS, ATPR), ensuring compliance with NASA and Flight Dynamics Division standards for safety-critical tools. TOPOs work in a dynamic, high-pressure environment where teamwork, quick decision-making, and adaptability to evolving mission requirements and emerging technologies, including AI-driven automation and trajectory analysis integration, are essential. While initially focused on ISS operations, TOPOs may also support other NASA programs as training progresses, including Gateway, Human Landing System, Commercial Crew, and Moon-to-Mars initiatives. As part of the flight controller certification process, candidates must pass a standard NASA flight physical conducted onsite by a NASA Flight Surgeon. Additional medical evaluations or documentation may be required as directed. Due to access to sensitive mission data, candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance through a favorably adjudicated Tier 3 background investigation. Occasional travel may be required to support mission or technical forums. Travel is expected to be limited (up to 25%). This position is based at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. On-site presence is required to support real-time mission operations, flight controller training, and team collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree from an ABET-accredited program in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics is required
0 to 4 years of related experience, including internships, co-ops, research projects, or other applied engineering work
Ideal candidates will have demonstrated technical depth through substantial academic or project-based work, preferably beyond introductory coursework
A strong academic background in orbital mechanics, spaceflight dynamics, or celestial mechanics is essential
The ideal candidate is an Aerospace Engineer with strong programming skills
Proficiency in Python is mandatory
Candidates must demonstrate experience using Python for engineering analysis or software development, including applications such as GUI design, automation, or data visualization
Due to NASA requirements for the position, candidates must be U.S. Citizens and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance through a favorably adjudicated Tier 3 background investigation
The candidate must be willing and able to attain a flight controller certification appropriate to assigned NASA human spaceflight programs
The candidate must successfully complete the required NASA flight controller physical examination, which may include specialized medical evaluations
If pre-existing or newly identified medical conditions are present, candidates may be required to provide documentation of a treatment plan, as directed by NASA medical personnel
Must be a U.S. Citizen and successfully complete a U.S. government background investigation
Post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol as outlined in our Drug Free Workplace policy
Work may involve sitting for extended periods
May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs.
Must have sufficient mobility to enter areas of test facilities where necessary
Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical
Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements when required
Must be able to work in a team atmosphere
Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation
Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others

Nice To Haves

Preferred candidates will have academic or practical experience with orbital or celestial mechanics, real-time spacecraft operations, and trajectory analysis
Experience using analysis and scripting tools such as Python, Linux shell scripting, MATLAB, FreeFlyer, or similar commercial or in-house tools
Exposure to engineering analysis, trade studies, or trajectory simulations in support of spacecraft operations
Experience in writing or testing trajectory software tools, displays, or scripts; performing engineering analysis; or interpreting spacecraft performance data will be beneficial, particularly in support of mission operations or flight dynamics applications
Experience or interest in artificial intelligence (AI) is highly valued, particularly in areas such as prompt engineering, natural language processing, or the integration of AI into trajectory analysis, mission planning, or software development workflows
As the Flight Dynamics Division continues to explore how AI can enhance human spaceflight operations, candidates who bring curiosity and foundational skills in this domain will help shape the future of our tools and processes
Familiarity with software project management and development lifecycle processes is also desired, including performing code and requirement reviews, writing test plans, developing procedures, and testing software tools or scripts
Familiarity with operational environments that require coordination across multiple organizations, including NASA programs, international partners, or commercial spaceflight providers, is beneficial
Candidates with prior experience or strong interest in human spaceflight programs such as the International Space Station, Gateway, Commercial Crew, or Moon-to-Mars initiatives are particularly well suited for this role
Demonstrate strong communication, including clear and concise verbal and written skills
Exhibit exceptional problem-solving abilities and critical thinking, especially under pressure
Ability to put situations in perspective, weighing options, assessing relevant information, anticipating consequences (both positive and negative), thinking clearly and calmly, compartmentalizing tasks, and setting stress aside when necessary
Effective time management, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams are essential
Possess negotiation and conflict resolution skills to help navigate and resolve differing viewpoints productively
Self-motivation, accountability, and a commitment to fostering respectful and inclusive work environments are critical for success

Responsibilities

Attain and maintain a flight controller certification aligned with current and future NASA human spaceflight programs.
Process orbit determination data from multiple sources to maintain accurate state vectors for the ISS, Visiting Vehicles, Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), and orbital debris populations.
Generate trajectory products that support long-term planning and short-term execution, including ISS altitude strategy, translation maneuvers, and debris avoidance planning.
Coordinate and monitor all ISS translation maneuvers, assess conjunction risks, and plan debris avoidance maneuvers as required.
Develop and maintain flight rules, console procedures, technical references, and operational products that underpin safe and effective mission execution.
Collaborate extensively with NASA programs, International Partners, and commercial vehicle providers to support new vehicle integration, evolving operational concepts, and future mission architectures.
Contribute to the training and mentoring of new TOPO candidates.
Support a flexible work schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call support.
Contribute to the development and verification of mission-critical applications, tools used to assess conjunction risks and evaluate launch and collision avoidance impacts relative to the ISS trajectory.
Participate in code reviews, unit testing, and software documentation (SRS, ATPR), ensuring compliance with NASA and Flight Dynamics Division standards for safety-critical tools.