Operations Control Center Manager, IS-0301-15

Smithsonian Institution•Burlington, MA
•$167,560 - $197,200•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is seeking an Operations Control Center (OCC) Manager for the High Energy Astrophysics Division. This role is responsible for training and supervising three teams within the OCC: the Ground Operations Team (GOT), the Integration Team (INT), and the Facility Support Team (FST), collectively known as the Integrated Support Team. The OCC Manager will provide managerial oversight of the OCC Data System, including its software, facility infrastructure, and hardware. This position involves collaboration with the Flight Operations Team Manager and the INT Manager to track evolving requirements for the data system software and to develop and implement configuration changes. The Integrated Support Team is crucial for receiving all data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory Center, processing data for Flight Operations, and handling all command processing for the Chandra X-ray Observatory Center. The OCC Manager reports directly to the Flight Director.

Requirements

  • Candidates for the grade 15 must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 14 level in similar positions.
  • Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position such as assisting in the operations of a significant facility and operations of a secure facility, and experience with project management techniques and supervising 3 or more employees.
  • Knowledge of management techniques, discipline, and procedure requirements sufficient to manage a group of 10-20 people.
  • Knowledge of ground systems both hardware and software, used in support of spacecraft missions sufficient for decision making.
  • Knowledge of software tools used in ground support systems for spacecraft mission operations.
  • Skill in oral and written communication including the preparation of clear, concise reports for CXC and NASA Management.
  • Basic knowledge of database software and scripting, programming in modern languages, basic knowledge of the software development life cycle including code, integration, test and changes/problems to reporting procedures.
  • Must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident or be a national of a country eligible to be approved on an export license.)
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
  • Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • Eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

  • Leads the development and maintenance of OCC hardware and software systems by managing teams of computer hardware and software specialists, providing technical direction, conducting technical reviews, and ensuring all software systems meet the needs of scientific users.
  • Provides overall human resources management to the OCC team including planning and assigning work, setting priorities, conducting performance reviews, recommending awards, determining training needs, interviewing and hiring new staff, and approving leave.
  • Determines the direction of applications development, interfaces FOT and SOT staff to identify user needs, develops testing schedules, and modifies software and hardware requirements to ensure system meets scientific user needs.
  • Direct team leaders in developing specifications, designs, and software for scientific data analysis and systems level operations.
  • Develops, plans, executes, and manages OCC contracts to sustain ground system hardware and software.
  • Works with OCC Systems Engineering staff to develop procedures for problem reporting, change control, and regression testing.
  • Develops processes and procedures for software and hardware integration under remote configuration management.
  • Supervises OCC data system integration including installation, regression testing, and handover to the Flight Operations Team.
  • Acts as liaison to MSFC and contractor developers and managers to coordinate software installations.
  • Manages OCC non-scientific staff including overseeing hiring, facilitating training, scheduling teams, assuring mission readiness, and performing short- and long-term workforce planning in support of on-orbit operations.
  • Works closely with the Flight Operations Team to respond to reconfiguration needs and provides an interface with the IST for matters relating to OCC Operations.
  • Collaborates with the Network and Security Manger and System Mange to maintain full capability of the OCC Data System and train staff in all aspects of OCC Data System operation.
  • Participates in ONLS, OFLS, and COTS training activities provided by MSFC and commercial software vendors.
  • Participates in the development of OCC systems operating and maintenance procedures and FOT support procedures.
  • Provides OCC technicians with information on OCC Data System hardware failures and contingency maintenance requirements.
  • Develops performance standards and evaluates subordinate employee performance, approve leave, assigns work to OCC Console Operator staff, and develops and maintains console operator training and procedure manuals.
  • Performs other duties assigned.

Benefits

  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Transit/Commuter Benefits
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Annual and Sick Leave
  • Family Friendly Leave
  • 403b Retirement Plan
  • Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants
  • Credit Union
  • Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)
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