Spacecraft Flight Controller

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you an engineer with a passion for supporting scientific discovery and National Defense through spacecraft operations? Are you searching for important work in spacecraft command and control, spacecraft analysis, planning and scheduling or other space operations areas? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are seeking a spacecraft flight controller who is ready to be part of exciting civilian and National Security space missions. You’ll be joining a team that is at the forefront of mission operations. We strive for an environment of collaboration and analytical thinking in order to deliver on some of the most challenging missions in operation today and in the future. Our missions enable scientific breakthroughs and contribute to the defense of our country. They span the solar system from close-approach solar observatories to platforms beyond the Kuiper Belt.

Requirements

Possess a B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or another relevant technical field; or have equivalent experience in spacecraft operations.
Have two or more years of background in spacecraft operations, spacecraft testing, or ground system operations.
Have a working understanding of spacecraft subsystems and payloads (e.g., power, thermal, propulsion, communications, attitude control, guidance and navigation).
Understand spacecraft command and control systems and basic ground system architecture.
Have experience with mission planning and command sequence development, or a strong demonstrated ability to learn these skills.
Are willing to work a significant portion of your time in a closed or secure environment, as called for by designated objectives.
Are willing to work shift schedules and weekends as required, and to support occasional extended hours for critical mission activities.
Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Have served as a subsystem, payload, or ground system lead on a space-based project.
Demonstrate familiarity with analysis platforms like MATLAB, STK, AMMOS products, along with configuration or issue-tracking tools such as GitLab.
Have experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python, Ruby, or JAS for analysis, automation, or tool development.
Have hands-on experience in planning and scheduling of spacecraft activities.
Possess an active Top-Secret clearance or higher.
Are familiar with defense-related space systems, collaborators, and operational environments.

Responsibilities

Conduct real-time operations to include the execution of command plans, monitoring real-time and post-pass telemetry and conducting other key responsibilities from a modern operations center.
Perform shift duties including creating and disseminating shift reports, conducting station briefings with ground antenna personnel, and coordinating with engineering teams and external partners.
Recognize, analyze and respond to off-nominal conditions using established procedures, and collaborate with subsystem subject matter experts to resolve issues as needed.
Support system- and mission-level testing activities, including simulations, rehearsals, and validation of new capabilities.