Observatory Technician

SAIC • Aurora, CO

2h • Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking an Observatory Technician to join the National Security and Space Sector (NSS). You would work on a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) crown jewel program providing highly specialized space/counter-space engineering, scientific, and analytical services from Aurora, Colorado. We support the Nation’s leading-edge IC and DoD space programs and offer compelling, deep-technical work that has direct influence and impact on program development and operations. Our team has Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across a variety of disciplines, including engineering, physics, mathematics, RF, optics, space acquisition and operations, and intelligence collection and analysis.
This Observatory Technician will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S. Government civilians and contractors solving applied technical problems and developing usable solutions for multiple space-related capabilities and threats. The primary functions for this role are to:
Operate and maintain an optical data collection site specializing in photometric measurements of space objects.
Support studies and investigations in the optical characterization of the selected space objects with meter and sub-meter optical systems.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or science fields.
• Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance with Special Access eligibility and successfully complete a Polygraph.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Demonstrated record of effective individual and group work behaviors, with abilities to proactively initiate and operate in dynamic and incompletely defined environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience conveying technical concepts, results, and summaries to internal customers, external customers, and stakeholders of diverse technical backgrounds.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and flexibility to adjust to changing priorities.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office applications and familiarity with Linux Red Hat OS.
• Ability to maintain a flexible night shift schedule, primarily working sunset to sunrise, dependent on weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• BS in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Active TS-SCI clearance with Poly.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python and/or other programming experience.
• Working knowledge of space system orbits and proficiency with Systems Tool Kit (STK).
• Experience in observatory operations.
• Experience with the installation, operations and maintenance of meter and sub-meter telescopes.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and operate optical telescope assemblies, scientific cameras, and mounts using associated sensor and mount control software.
• Conduct data collection operations and assist with associated data reduction and processing activities.
• Assist with system maintenance functions, such as alignments, calibrations, and troubleshooting.
• Produce configuration, test, operations, and maintenance procedures, as well as maintain data collection configuration and inventory control records.
• Work directly with the customers, subject matter experts, and other operators in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Support and/or coordinate facility operations and maintenance activities and vendors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level