Chief Staff Engineer IV (Part Time)

Columbus Technologies; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 207,000 - 234,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

Columbus Technologies and Services, Inc. seeks a Chief Scientist Engineer to provide senior technical leadership in the development and implementation of space communications standards for CCSDS activities at Goddard Space Flight Center.

The role focuses on space link coding, synchronization, error correction coding, and related protocols. Collaboration with NASA, international space agencies, and technical working groups is essential.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent in a closely related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience in space communications, signal processing, or related fields.
• Experience contributing to CCSDS or international space communications standards.
• Knowledge of NASA space communications infrastructure (NEN, SN, TDRSS).
• Ability to develop technical documentation and engineering recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical leadership in space data standards development.
• Support CCSDS activities with NASA and international partners.
• Develop and review engineering documentation, standards proposals, and recommendations.

Skills

Error correction coding

Space link protocols

Technical communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Location: Greenbelt, MD, US

Salary Range: $150.00 To $170.00 Hourly

OVERVIEW

• Must be a US Citizen
• Estimated Duration: Ongoing
• W2 Position with full benefits

The US base pay range for this part-time position is $150-170/hr + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly experienced Chief Scientist Engineer to provide senior-level technical expertise and leadership in the development, evaluation, and implementation of space communications standards supporting NASA's Space Data Standards activities at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

The successful candidate will support the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS), with a primary focus on space link coding and synchronization, error correction coding, communications protocols, and advanced signal processing. This position requires extensive knowledge of space communications systems, international standards development, and collaboration with NASA, international space agencies, and technical working groups.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline, or equivalent specialized experience.
• Extensive professional experience in space communications, telecommunications engineering, signal processing, or related technical disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience developing, reviewing, or contributing to CCSDS or comparable international space communications standards.
• Expert knowledge of error correction coding, channel coding, synchronization techniques, RF modulation, and digital communications systems.
• Strong understanding of space link protocols, communications architectures, and space data systems.
• Experience supporting technical standards development within multidisciplinary and international working groups.
• Detailed knowledge of NASA space communications infrastructure, including the Near-Earth Network (NEN), Space Network (SN), and Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS).
• Experience evaluating communications requirements for space missions and ground network systems.
• Proficiency in technical analysis, modeling, simulation, or software development supporting communications engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to develop technical documentation, standards proposals, and engineering recommendations.
• Excellent technical communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and provide expert technical consultation to senior government stakeholders.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Direct experience participating in CCSDS Space Link Services (SLS) working groups.
• Experience developing or modifying CCSDS standards for forward error correction (FEC) coding and synchronization.
• Familiarity with CCSDS 235.1, Space Communications Sessions Control, and communications protocols supporting lunar exploration interoperability.
• Experience collaborating with NASA, ESA, JAXA, or other international space agencies.
• Knowledge of advanced coding techniques, including Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes, turbo codes, and other modern error correction methodologies.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or comparable engineering analysis and simulation tools.
• Familiarity with deep-space communications, lunar communications architectures, and emerging space networking technologies.
• Experience providing technical leadership in international standards development, technical reviews, or engineering advisory activities.
• Knowledge of NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program and related communications infrastructure.

Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, Columbus participates in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.