The posting
Job Description
Are you passionate about solving complex problems? Join our dynamic team as a Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Oversight Software Engineer and become a vital contributor to support NASA as an Oceaneering Teammate on the JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) II contract. As an integral part of our organization, you'll play a crucial role in the On-Orbit GN&C and Flight Mechanics section in the Engineering Department on the NASA JSC Engineering, Technology and Science II (JETS II) Contract.
This role will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of human spaceflight and deep space exploration programs. Your contributions will ensure that our services not only meet - but outperform all standards and expectations. As a Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Oversight Software Engineer, you'll find yourself at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with a passionate team who shares your dedication to excellence. If you're seeking to immerse yourself in an environment where your skills and expertise will make a genuine impact, we invite you to join our team!
We are seeking someone with a keen eye for detail, a strong commitment to owning their work, and providing superior quality. You should be a person who thrives in a diverse environment and who is comfortable communicating at all levels of the organization. To be successful in this role, you should have a sense of genuine, engaging curiosity, and a desire for growth and continuous learning.
Someone in this role would typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and normally possess a minimum of 2 years of experience. This position can be hired at any level in our professional career framework, depending on business need at the time of hire.
**International travel may be required. Possible straight time overtime and a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) **
Responsibilities
As a Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Oversight Software Engineer this position will work on the JETS ISS Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Capture (RPOC) Team providing technical oversight, program integration, and certification of ISS visiting vehicle Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) systems in support of missions to the International Space Station (ISS). The selected applicant will:
- Certify GN&C system requirements compliance through review of analysis and test reports, including assessment of sensor performance, trajectory dispersions, and other GN&C parameters.
- Certify fault tolerance safety requirements compliance through review of GN&C related hazard reports and associated verification evidence, including communicating issues to a Safety Review Panel.
- Identify and recommend solutions to GN&C/RPO performance issues.
- Communicate status of compliance reviews to ISS program management.
- Conduct performance assessments on visiting vehicle GN&C data for Program compliance.
- Review Monte Carlo trajectory analyses using independent 6 degrees-of-freedom simulations.
- Provide input to operational products, such as flight rules and on-orbit demonstration plans.
- Provide visiting vehicle’s GN&C mission console support during real-time ground monitoring.
- Maintain relationships with a diverse technical team, including personnel from engineering, safety, flight operations, crew office, and visiting vehicle providers.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
Required
Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited engineering school with minimum of 2 years of experience in the field or related area
- Experience with orbital mechanics and GN&C principles
- Understanding of orbit, entry, descent, landing GN&C principles
- Knowledge in the development of GN&C algorithms and spacecraft system analysis
- Experience with design, verification, testing, and operation of GN&C hardware and software
- Experience with LINUX, Python, and C/C++
- Experience with design, verification, testing, and operation of GN&C hardware and software
- Experience with the development of space system requirements and documents
- Strong interpersonal skills to enable successful performance on a collaborative engineering team.
- Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and schedules with limited supervision.
- Excellent communication, documentation, and presentation skills
- Ability to work in a team environment consisting of NASA civil servants and contractor employees.
- Experience with Microsoft Office products
Preferred
- MS in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on GN&C, flight controls, and orbital mechanics
- Experience with spacecraft rendezvous, proximity operations, and capture/docking
- Familiarity with spacecraft docking systems.
- Working knowledge of NASA, JSC, and ISS standard practices and requirements (including safety)
- Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures
- Familiarity with NASA/JSC documentation databases and SharePoint sites
- Experience with MATLAB and Simulink toolboxes
- Experience with the NASA Trick simulation architecture and JEOD (JSC Engineering Orbital Dynamics)
- Experience with Git/GitLab version control.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position. Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation. Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.
Essential Functions
Work Environment - Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
Physical Requirements - Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
Equipment and Machines - Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
Attendance - Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.
Other Essential Functions - Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factors.
