Job Details
Leidos
Senior Systems Engineer
Description
Job Description:
Leidos is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Operations, System, and Software Engineer to join the Engineering, Implementation, Science, Operations, and Communications (EISOC) program to support the NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory team in Pasadena, CA on groundbreaking space missions. Jet Propulsion Laboratory uses EISOC to develop new space systems and flight software, and provide engineering, training, and operations support. The selected candidate for this position will assist Mars Science Laboratory in scheduling communications activities with Mars orbiters and the Deep Space Network. Effective telecom scheduling is essential to optimizing the science return of the mission.
The job will require a combination of telecommunications planning operations work as well as software development to support said operations. As Mars Science Laboratory Communications Planner, you will focus on coordinating the schedule for which Mars orbital overflights and Deep Space Network windows the Curiosity rover will use for uplink and downlink communications.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Performing the Mars Science Laboratory tactical communications process and delivering the resulting spacecraft sequences. The generation of data volume predicts using orbiter SPK files and SPS files.
- Essential knowledge includes how to translate that into data volume estimates and protocols to follow for work with other missions when there are strict operational constraints.
- Diagnose and engage support when issues arise in connecting to non-MSL interfaces. To support streamlining the operations process the ideal candidate will also possess the software skills necessary to assist in the operations work.
Education and Work Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, OR Aerospace Engineering with a minimum of 8 years’ experience, OR a Master’s degree in similar disciplines with 6+ years of related experience, OR PhD with 2+ years of related experience.
- This position requires a U.S. Citizen who is eligible to obtain any required Export Authorization.
Work Location:
- The work will be performed in Pasadena CA.
Required Skills:
- 5+ years of software development in Python and full stack web development.
- Software development will include full stack web development including python and Django expertise for back-end and JS/CSS/HTML for frontend.
- 2+ years of experience working with multiple NASA missions and the Deep Space Network and deep understanding of their process and terminology.
- Working experience with Linux operating system environments.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
- Experience troubleshooting cross mission software interfaces.
- Highly responsive work ethic.
- Deep understanding of multiple JPL proprietary software systems and interfaces for tracking orbital details and DSN availability.
Preferred/Optional Skills
- 2+ years of experience with Mars surface mission operations. A focus on strategic telecom work is highly desired.
- General understanding and application of standard principles, theories, concepts and techniques in software engineering field and knowledge of the software lifecycle.
- GUI web development experience to build charting and reporting capabilities.
- Comprehensive understanding of NAIF spice kernels to track spacecraft positioning is highly desired.
- Experience developing/testing software tools and applications.
- Experience working with instrument and/or spacecraft operations teams.
- General knowledge of instrument and spacecraft operations or ground data system operations.
- General knowledge of applicable Laboratory policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations.
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We value and support the well-being and mobility of our employees with competitive benefit packages, complementary e-learning training, work-life flexibility, an exciting External Referral Program, and a diverse, inclusive and ethical work place. In fact, in 2020, Leidos was ranked as one of the “World's Most Ethical Companies” by the Ethisphere Institute for the third consecutive year.