Senior Instrument Engineer- #02915

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is seeking a Senior Instrument Engineer to become a part of the James Webb Space Telescope Flight Operations Team. Located on the Johns Hopkins University campus in Baltimore, MD, STScI is an operations center for NASA’s current and future flagship science observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST).  We offer an excellent and generous benefits package, tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedules and a stimulating and diverse work environment.

The Instrument Engineer position is an 8-hour day position with an expectation that during launch and commissioning and other special tests before launch, some shift work and additional hours will be required.  In addition, since the position is responsible for anomaly response and troubleshooting, there is an expectation that on-call duties will be performed on a rotating basis.  Prior to launch, occasional travel to the prime contractor facility in Los Angeles, CA will be required.

Your Role as a Senior Instrument Engineer

You provide the analysis of the SI telemetry and statistical trends to ensure the SIs are operating within nominal ranges

Your provide on-call support for anomaly response and troubleshooting

You interface with SI development teams to coordinate information necessary for the development of operations products (scripts, pages and tools) and processes used to conduct flight operations

You assist in developing operations products (scripts, pages and tools) and processes used to conduct launch and commissioning operations

You maintain operations products (scripts, pages and tools) and processes used to conduct flight operations

You support various Working Groups and Focus Group related to the SIs and general operations or ground system development (e.g. Fault Management, Limited Life, Project Reference Database, Commissioning, etc.)

You support the development and presentation of flight operations material for project level reviews

You cross-train in various functions supporting the overall success of the flight operations team

You support SI and observatory level Integration and Test (I&T) activities, including developing test, procedures, scripts and writing test reports

You interact with the science staff at STScI who use the instruments and with the contractors who built the instruments

Job Requirement and Your Qualifications:

If you have a B.S. Degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related physical science and 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in Flight Operations for an operational spacecraft, we invite you to apply.  Job requirements are:

Technical writing experience is required. Must be efficient using standard productivity software and database tools to develop documentation and test results

Advanced knowledge and detailed understanding of flight operations is required

Experience with a large space-based astronomical observatory with multiple instruments is required

Experience using a sophisticated telemetry and command system as well as writing procedures using advanced scripting languages to conduct flight operations is required

Prior pre-mission operations experience and experience in on-orbit activation and commissioning is required

US citizen or Permanent Resident is required

Helpful Skills:

Experience involving analysis of specific science instruments or spacecraft subsystems (CDH, ACS, Power, etc.) will be considered an asset

Experience with L2, L1 or deep space operations will be considered an asset

Familiarity with use and scheduling of the DSN will be considered an asset

Prior experience in integration and test of spacecraft/observatory will be considered an asset

Prior experience with a Raytheon ECLIPSE based Telemetry and Command System will be considered an asset

Scripting and operations of observatory simulators will be considered an asset

 Note:   Substitution of additional relevant education or experience for stated qualifications may be considered.

TO APPLY: You are requested to complete an on-line application through our website at: www.stsci.edu/opportunities.

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, 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 astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is 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, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or 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 pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our record keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

STScI sees the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in our desire to create a first-rate scientific community. We reflect that deep commitment in strongly encouraging women, 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 [email protected]. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V Voted to the Baltimore Magazine Hall of Fame in 2015 – Top 25 Places to Work in Baltimore.