Spacecraft Systems - Electrical Engineer - #0044188a

Do you want to fly the James Webb Space Telescope?

Are you passionate about spaceflight? Can you break down complicated systems into basic electrical, mechanical, thermal, and software interactions? If you are a collaborative engineer excited to strengthen operations of NASA’s next flagship mission, then you want to join our team of 40 engineers preparing to fly the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

The STScI Flight Operations Team is working in partnership with NASA Goddard, observatory contractor Northrop Grumman, and system vendors across the globe to create a premier JWST mission operations team. The team conducts real time operations, sustaining engineering, and operational product development/testing. As a flight systems engineer, you will oversee all aspects of operations for systems under your supervision. You will lead the response during anomalies, and work with other experts to assess problems and advance solutions.

**STScI has all staff working remotely during COVID-19 crisis. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape. Offers of employment can be extended and new hires could on-board virtually and will be shipped systems to be able to work remotely until it is safe to report to our Baltimore offices. Relocation benefits will be available to those eligible when travel can be supported.**

The current opening is for an electrical engineer on the Flight Systems Engineering (FSE) team. Initial focus will be the Command & Data Handling (CDH) system. The CDH is the spacecraft's nervous system ensuring accurate command routing and data transmission throughout spacecraft systems including computers, 1553 buses, solid-state recorders, transponder interface electronics, payload interfaces, and maintaining the spacecraft clock.

SPACE TELESCOPE SCIENCE INSTITUTE (STScI)

The Space Telescope Science Institute is at the forefront of spaceborne scientific exploration through its operation of NASA’s flagship class missions including Hubble (in-flight), James Webb (nearing flight), and WFIRST (in-development) space telescopes.

STScI is located on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. An easy commute from the rolling hills of Maryland horse country, the campus is minutes from the lively downtown cultural center and the Chesapeake Bay.

• Named one of the best places to work by Baltimore Magazine
• Outstanding benefits including generous annual PTO: 24 vacation days, 3 personal days, and 12 sick days. Explore our benefits: http://www.stsci.edu/opportunities/benefits
• Great work/life balance

RESPONSIBILITIES

Electrical Engineers:

• Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company process, and knowledge of spacecraft computers, buses, recorders, interface electronics, and clocks to perform tasks that advance program goals
• Lead anomalous operations response including troubleshooting and advancing solutions
• Provide electrical engineering expertise across systems as needed
• Coordinate with technical and programmatic contacts with NASA and industry partners
• Document designs, analyses, and test results
• Develop and test operational products and procedures
• After mastering CDH, move on to other spacecraft systems with the objective of becoming a JWST Systems Supervisor

Performance standards that a candidate must have to be successful in this position include:

• Teamwork capabilities within small- to medium-sized groups
• Interpersonal communication skills - this position requires the ability to collaborate with personnel from engineering, management, and external partners
• Ability to communicate technical challenges and solutions effectively

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and 5+ years' experience in spacecraft system operations or operations experience on a complex system that has high consequences in the event of failure. Advanced degrees can substitute for some years of experience.
• Software development experience to solve problems, implement process improvements, or automation (e.g. Python, C++, Java, Matlab, etc.)
• Individuals with experience from other fields who possess related basic qualifications are encouraged to apply

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven record of troubleshooting problems to root cause and providing solutions
• Technical knowledge of spacecraft systems and operations (e.g. attitude control, propulsion, communications, electrical power, thermal control)
• Previous experience in a customer-facing role working through flight preparations
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Flexibility including shift work during launch rehearsals and spacecraft commissioning, and on call for anomaly response
• Limited travel to Goddard Space Flight Center and the observatory contractor site in California

TO APPLY

This position is available immediately. All levels of experience will be considered. Applications received by May 26, 2020 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. You are requested to complete an on-line application through the STScI website at www.stsci.edu/opportunities

Direct Link: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/93330e50-7b3a-4ba8-94f2-6f32360aa4e1/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=c61c0de0-6c70-4be3-83a8-640364ba5933

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 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 that 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 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.