Operations Systems Engineer I

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

2d•$97,032 - $117,416•Onsite

About The Position

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence. Join JPL’s Mission Systems Engineering Section and the Science Planning and Engineering Group, where science and engineering come together to plan and operate space missions. The group integrates science, flight, ground, and operations systems to help deliver missions that operate as one coherent system. As a member of the Psyche Science Planning and Instrument Operations team, you will help translate science objectives into executable spacecraft and instrument activities and support the planning, testing, and operation of the mission as it approaches and conducts its science phase.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline with typically a minimum of 1 year of related experience; or a master’s degree in a related discipline.
General understanding of one or more of the following areas: science planning, science systems engineering, instrument operations, spacecraft or mission operations, mission systems, or related mission processes and procedures.
Ability to apply standard scientific, engineering, or technical principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to support planning and operational activities.
Ability to analyze technical information, identify relevant constraints and dependencies, and support the development of integrated plans and solutions.
Ability to approach complex technical problems methodically, evaluate available information and constraints, and determine appropriate next steps with guidance from more experienced team members.
Ability to learn complex mission systems, operational processes, and technical tools and apply that knowledge in a detail-oriented operational environment.
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and coordinate with scientists, engineers, instrument teams, and mission operations personnel.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate technical information, planning considerations, issues, and recommendations to technical teams and management.

Nice To Haves

Experience or coursework related to spacecraft operations, science planning, instrument operations, mission planning, or systems engineering.
Experience developing, analyzing, or working with timelines, sequences, schedules, or other operational plans.
Familiarity with spacecraft pointing, coordinate systems, orbital mechanics, or Guidance, Navigation & Control concepts.
Experience with scripting, data analysis, or automation using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
Experience analyzing telemetry, scientific data, engineering data, or other time-series data products.
Experience working with multidisciplinary teams involving scientists and engineers.
Familiarity with software development, testing, configuration management, or verification processes.
Demonstrated interest in planetary science, space science, or robotic space exploration.

Responsibilities

Develop and integrate detailed Science Activity Plans that translate science objectives into executable mission activities.
Incorporate engineering and communications activities into integrated mission plans using mission planning and execution tools.
Plan science-related spacecraft pointing and coordinate with Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) engineers to support implementation.
Coordinate science observations and instrument activities across science, instrument, spacecraft, and operations teams.
Model, analyze, and pre-validate science and instrument sequences prior to execution.
Develop and test new activities and flight sequences using the Psyche Flight System Testbed.
Develop and maintain operational procedures, interfaces, documentation, and planning tools.
Support instrument operations, including monitoring instrument health and safety using real-time telemetry and downlinked data products.
Support the investigation and resolution of instrument and operational anomalies.
Perform science data processing and analysis in support of instrument operations and science planning.
Support strategic and tactical science planning throughout the mission.