Space Operations Engineer II – James Webb Space Telescope

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science and flight operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more about our missions. This is an opportunity to join the James Webb Space Telescope flight ops team for mission activities. 

Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).

Shift-work is a requirement of this position. Normal operations will consist of a 12-hour per shift rotating schedule. These are non-exempt positions with overtime pay.

Application Deadline: March 22, 2024

The Flight Control Branch (FCB) is a part of Systems Engineering Integration Test & Operations Division (SEITO) responsible for the execution of all James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mission critical activities.  FCB provides real-time monitoring of the Webb Space Telescope via the Flight Operations Subsystem (FOS) and the physical communications infrastructure connecting the control center to the Deep Space Network ground stations.

Each Flight Operations Engineer is a key member of one of our three-person Flight Operations Console Engineers teams responsible for conducting each ground Webb Observatory contact. The Webb Flight Operations Team Console Engineers collect and process the Observatory telemetry and science data that STScI will make accessible to the world. They plan and control real-time operations and maintain the Webb’s health essential to support the goal of scientific discovery. 

The Flight Operations Engineers are trained to operate the FOS to monitor the activities of the Webb Observatory and support the ground systems to ensure the instruments and spacecraft subsystems are operating normally. 

Flight Operations Engineer Responsibilities include:

In this role, you support 24x7 operations of the JWST.  

• You operate the FOS, and communicate with DSN, in support of real-time Observatory operations
• You monitor the health and safety of the Observatory and ground systems
• You provide real-time evaluation of the telemetry and statistical trends to ensure instruments and spacecraft subsystems are operating within nominal ranges
• Review and approve operations change request
• You perform real-time activities to transmit commands and loads to the Observatory
• You manage the spacecraft recorder to maximize science data collection
• Maintain console records of daily activities, and respond to activity requests and engineering changes
• You provide support for anomaly response and troubleshooting
• You cross-train in various functions supporting the overall success of the flight operations team
• You provide the analysis of the ground system elements to ensure the FOS and networks are functioning as expected
• You support end to end ground ops product development, testing and update of the development schedule
• You interface with ground system development team, network and ground station entities to coordinate information necessary for the development of operations products (scripts, pages and tools) and processes used to conduct flight operations

 Qualifications:

We invite you to apply if you have a B.S. Degree in engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related physical science degree, technical writing experience and 4+ years of flight ops experience.  You must be efficient using standard productivity software and database tools to develop documentation and test results.

• Knowledge of and work experience in flight operations
• Experience with large/complex ground systems used to control and monitor space based astronomical observatories
• Experience using, analyzing, maintaining and troubleshooting sophisticated telemetry and command systems as well as writing procedures using advanced scripting languages to conduct operations
• Familiarity with interfaces, utilization and troubleshooting of Communications Services Office (CSO) integrated networks (formerly NISN)
• Experience with a large space-based astronomical observatory with multiple instruments
• Experience using a sophisticated telemetry and command system as well as writing process using advanced scripting languages to conduct flight operations
• Experience with L2, L1 or deep space operations
• Familiarity with use and scheduling of the DSN

Helpful But Not Required Experience:

• Prior experience with a Raytheon ECLIPSE based Telemetry and Command System is considered an asset
• Scripting and operations of observatory simulators is considered an asset

Candidates must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident. ITAR clearance is required. 

Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. 

TO APPLY: Please upload a resume, cover letter and online application. Applications received by March 22, 2024 will be considered. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.

Explore all career opportunities at www.stsci.edu/opportunities

STScI offers a flexible and welcoming workspace for all. STScI embraces the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in creating a first-rate community. We strongly encourage women, ethnic minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities. Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu EOE/AA/M/F/D/V.

As a leader in the astronomical community, AURA is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the workforce www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below, as well as the requests for self-identification, are required under these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements for protection and assisting us in our record-keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.