Technical Program Director, Lunar Flight Operations (R37760)

This role is a part of Test & Flight Operations team, providing centralized support to Business Units with the focus on design, build and maintenance of the ground systems, test and launch facilities across multiple locations.

As part of a small, hardworking, and accomplished team of Mission Operations Systems and Flight Operations Engineers, you will collaborate closely with space vehicle and ground subsystem teams, leading and performing flight and operations development tasks throughout the full system lifecycle. You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of the mission operations concept, mission analysis and planning, flight planning, ground data systems, and tools used to operate crew-rated lunar landers.

You will work directly with NASA and our National Team Partners as part of the Human Landing System (HLS) Sustaining Lunar Development (SLD) program. You will play a key role in developing the Lunar Transportation system that will return humans to the Moon and extend human presence permanently beyond the bounds of Earth. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate a team of 8-20 personnel to develop processes and execute mission operations in the areas of operations product development, mission planning, flight dynamics and training
• Assist the Lunar Director of Mission Operations with the management of budget, schedule and personnel for the Lunar Mission Operations team
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers representing flight vehicle systems, ground software, flight control operators and customers
• Lead initiatives to improve Mission Operations Systems and Flight Operations engineering and other functional processes and tools
• Help establish standards for repeatable and cost-effective mission operations execution, working to continuously improve team performance and create a culture of operational excellence
• Provide real-time leadership to the execution of complex space missions, including test and demonstration flights of new technology
• Support the development of future lunar vehicles by helping define the Concept of Operations and ensuring design requirements provide operability to both flight and ground crews responsible for operation of the vehicle

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics or related technical field
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• • Space mission flight operations
  • Mission analysis, flight planning and timeline development (tool and analysis)
  • Ground-based Navigation (e.g. RF, Optical, etc.)
  • Spacecraft telemetry, commanding and sequencing
  • Operational fault management
• Experience in a complex system lifecycle – requirement definition, design solution definition, implementation, integration, verification, validation, qualification, commissioning and/or operations
• Strong understanding of the principles and methods of engineering complex systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.