Space Geodesy Data Operations Technician

Science Systems & Applications • Greenbelt, MD

15h

About The Position

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) has an opening for a Science Data Operations Technician to assist with efforts supporting NASA’s Crustal Dynamics Data Information System (CDDIS). This position plays a critical role in managing space geodesy data and will be responsible for working across all the techniques supported by CDDIS, including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), and Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS).

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in a physical science, earth science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience and/or training.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to support daily, time-sensitive data operations (ingest, archive, and distribution).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with space geodesy techniques including GNSS, DORIS, SLR, and VLBI.
• Experience with Linux operating systems, including user-level functionality and shell scripting.
• Familiarity with software development in Python, Java, or C.
• Knowledge of modern software development practices, including version control (e.g., Git), regression testing, and Agile/Scrum frameworks.
• Prior experience working in a government contracting environment or supporting federal agencies (such as NASA).

Responsibilities

• Monitor and support the daily ingest, archiving, and distribution of space geodesy data for the CDDIS.
• Ensure the integrity, availability, and timely processing of data streams across multiple techniques (GNSS, SLR, VLBI, DORIS).
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot data processing scripts using Linux shell scripting and programming languages such as Python, Java, or C.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve data anomalies or system errors within the data pipeline.
• Collaborate with scientists, software engineers, and external data providers to improve data flow and system functionality.
• Participate in software development lifecycles, utilizing version control, regression testing, and Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Prepare operational reports and maintain up-to-date documentation on data operations procedures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees