IT Specialist

IT Specialist

Trust Fund (Non-Federal), Indefinite

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) invites applications for the position of IT Specialist within the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC).    The CXC operates the Chandra X-ray Observatory under contract with NASA. The mission has been in operation since July 1999.  The incumbent will work in the Science Operations Team (SOT) within the CXC.   The SOT is responsible for the operation of the science mission. The position responsibility as particular focus on alerting the team to immediate problems and predicting concerns based on long term trends. Responsibilities include the analysis of existing data to anticipate operational impacts and to develop new software tools to make such analysis more automated. As such a candidate with a strong programming background is sought. Someone familiar with software best practices and Python is preferred. The applicant will analyze science data to maintain the time-dependent calibration and characterize the current performance. The candidate will learn to use and to modify the thermal models developed to predict temperatures within the Chandra telescope. The candidate will communicate the results of her/his analysis in technical memos or meetings. We offer a challenging environment working in partnership with the Flight operation team to produce the highest quality data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory.

Duties include:
● Analyze spacecraft data
● Develop and maintain SOT software
● Evaluate system performance, including modeling results of data processing
● Interact with members of the Chandra X-ray Center Science Data Systems Team to define software requirements

We will only accept applications on line for this position. To view the complete vacancy announcement and online application procedures, please visit https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/491159600