Astronomer/Scientific Programmer - AER0005VL

As an Astronomer / Scientific Programmer, the candidate will develop and maintain software codes, scripts, tools and databases to permit the analysis of meteor data acquired by the Meteoroid Environment Office (MEO), located at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The development/deployment platforms are Linux-based and the programming languages involved are Python/C/C++. An important part of the MEO’s mission is to provide space situational awareness, so the candidate will work with the team to characterize bright meteor events occurring over the United States and help maintain/develop tools used by the MEO to characterize these events. The candidate will also assist in meteor and telescopic observations of comets and the Moon and will be called upon to help maintain the MEO’s camera network.

Duties will include the following:

• Developing and maintaining programs, scripts, and tools (local and web-based) for meteor data collection and situational awareness.
• Delivering quick-turnaround characterizations of skyfall events to the MEO customer.
• Assisting in the development of models of the meteoroid environment.
• Analyzing observational data collected from telescopes, cameras, radiometers, or other instrumentation.
• Conducting observations of meteors, their parent bodies, and the moon.
• Configuring and replacing meteor cameras used at local and remote sites within the United States.
• Presenting results to the NASA customer and at conferences.
• Publishing results in appropriate journals.

Qualifications:

A Master of Science degree in Astronomy, Physics, or Astrophysics or related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience is required. A minor or additional degree in computer science is desired. A degree from an ABET-accredited university is preferred.

• Must have extensive experience with:
  • Object-oriented scientific programming in Python
  • Designing tools to facilitate rapid analyses of data (local and web-based)
  • Accessing data stored remotely via APIs and other interfaces
• Linux operating systems (Debian/Ubuntu preferred)
• The successful candidate also must:
  • Exhibit strong technical writing and presentation skills to present data to internal and external customers.
  • Have strong customer relations skills.
  • Possess the ability to multi-task and transition between quick turnaround assignments.
  • Show initiative and be proactive to make connections and build relationships with key players on the tasks.
  • Demonstrate the capability to plan and perform analyses independently and as a team.
• It is desired for the candidate to have experience in C/C++.
• It is desired for the candidate to possess hands-on experience with operating, assembling, installing, and troubleshooting modern astronomical instruments, such as cameras and telescopes.
• It is desired for the candidate to demonstrate the capability to utilize compute clusters.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.

Jacobs is a background screening, drug-free workplace.

To review career opportunities and to submit your resume for Jacobs Space Exploration Group in Huntsville, AL, visit https://jseg.space/.