Science Mission Operations (SMO) Director

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Friday, July 1, 2016
Archive Date: 
Friday, July 29, 2016
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Science Management
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Industry
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Orbital ATK
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unknown
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Program is an international cooperative space science effort between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), the German Aerospace Center. SOFIA is an airborne astronomical observatory consisting of a 2.5-meter aperture telescope permanently installed in a specially modified Boeing 747SP aircraft. The observatory, with its open port telescope provided through a partnership with DLR, provides routine access to nearly all of the visible, infrared, far infrared, and sub-millimeter parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. SOFIA's primary mission is to conduct high-quality, high-impact, cutting-edge research in astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary astronomy in a safe and cost effective manner. The observatory is able to directly incorporate new or upgraded instruments over its lifetime.

The SOFIA science and mission operations (SMO) contract provides NASA with an infrared science guest observer program that delivers quality science to NASA in the form of astronomical data and quality refereed science papers. NASA and the German Aerospace Center, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt (DLR), make available the observatory platform that this contract uses to achieve the infrared science guest observer program and the science deliverables. SOFIA started mission observations in 2012.

The anticipated period of performance lasts until 2034. Orbital ATK Space Systems Group, Technical Services Division, is pursuing the SOFIA Science and Mission Operations Contract. In preparation for this new contract, we are looking for a candidate Science Mission Operations (SMO) Director to lead our science activities. Work Locations: - NASA Ames (California) & NASA Armstrong (California) Responsibilities: - Maximize SOFIA science productivity and impact to science through science community outreach, solicitation for proposals, selection of science proposals, and scheduling of science and instruments on flights. - Maximize SOFIA science productivity and impact to science through the allocation of the Discretionary (Observation) Time. - Make operational recommendations to optimize SOFIA science return - Support the NASA SOFIA Project Scientist including the development of Senior Review proposals. - Coordinate with others to integrate and optimize the SOFIA science productivity and impact. Qualifications: - Master’s Degree and 10 or more years of related experience is required (PhD preferred) - The SMO Director shall be an astronomer. - The SMO Director shall have a strong background in managing the science of a large organization - The SMO Director shall have experience representing a large science organization to the astronomical science community. - The SMO Director shall have a distinguished record of scientific achievement, as evidenced by refereed publications, talks, and service in high-level astronomical science review boards. - The SMO Director shall have experience working with international science organizations Orbital ATK is applying entrepreneurial thinking and commercial practices to deliver reliable, innovative and affordable products and services to our customers and grow our core areas while harnessing new technologies that will take our products – and your ideas – into the future.

When encouraged to think beyond the ordinary, you’ll be amazed at what you can do! We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Included Benefits: 

No benefits information has been provided by the employer.

Application Deadline: 
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Current Status of Position: 
No Status Given (Opted Out)
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Joe Davis
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