Field Engineering Specialist

Metis Technology Solutions, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Metis Technology Solutions, Inc. seeks a Field Engineering Specialist to sustain ground systems for NASA Moon Program at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. The role focuses on implementation, integration, test, and transfer to operations of hardware and software for network services and missions.

The candidate will review interfaces, develop documentation, and coordinate with NASA contractors and civil servants, with strong emphasis on RF and satellite communications and Python scripting.

Qualifications

• AA or Military Tech School in electronics, satellite operations or equivalent.
• Military and/or NASA experience preferred.
• Familiarity with NASA Near Space Network (DTE, Space Relay).
• Understanding RF concepts and satellite communications is helpful.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and react to emergencies.
• Work well in a team environment and independently as a proactive self-starter.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Python scripting; ability to learn to work with automated systems.

Responsibilities

• Participate in NASA program meetings including SDR, CDR, TRB, and CCP/SEI meetings.
• Review program documents related to Space-to-Ground Networks and SMAP.
• Develop system requirements and interface documentation.
• Verify that commercial companies design and test communications systems for program missions.
• Review test plans and integration packages to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Interface with NASA contractors, civil servants, and subcontractors.
• Verify end-to-end spacecraft communications testing with relay satellites and ground systems.
• Provide inputs for risks, budgets, policies, and technical changes.

Skills

Python scripting

Satellite communications

RF concepts

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

AA or Military Tech School in electronics/satellite operations

Job description

Field Engineering Specialist – NASA Moon Program

Position Summary

In this role, the selected candidate will provide sustaining engineering support for ground systems; provides for the implementation, integration, test, and transfer into operations of hardware and software systems for network services, missions and projects; provides hardware maintenance services which may include re-installation and modification of existing equipment, preventive and corrective maintenance, and replacement of equipment as needed to maintain original hardware configuration functionality; Reviews technical interfaces, prepares documentation of equipment testing, architecture and cabling configurations. Participates in program meetings, test and analyses of communication systems for NASA’s Moon Base program. Interfaces with NASA contractors and civil servant personnel.

Major Job Activities

• Participates in various meetings related to the NASA programs including technical tag-ups, system definition review (SDR) and critical design review (CDR) presentations, lecture series, Joint Configuration Control Panel (CCP) Test Review Board (TRB), and Systems Engineering and Integration Control Board teams meetings.
• Reviews and provides comments on program documents related to Space-to-Ground Network Systems, Space RF Interface Control Documents, Ground Control Interfaces for Starlab and Orbital Reef, and program Safety and Mission Assurance Plan (SMAP).
• Develops system requirements and interface documentation.
• Verifies and assesses that commercial companies design, develop, integrate, and test communications systems to support program mission destinations.
• Reviews commercial companies’ test plans and system review packages and verifies that commercial destinations meet program requirements.
• Interfaces with NASA contractors, civil servant personnel, Commercial Company destination provider teams, and teammate subcontractors.
• Verifies commercial destination companies properly perform spacecraft communications end-to-end testing with relay satellites and ground systems.
• Verifies that commercial destination companies properly manage technical integration and testing operations.
• Provides inputs, as needed, for risks, budgets, policy updates, and technical changes.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

AA or Military Tech School in electronics, satellite operations or equivalent. Level is commensurate with experience

Preferred

• Military and/or NASA experience.
• Familiarity with the NASA Near Space Network, including the Direct To Earth (DTE) and Space Relay (SR) networks.
• Ability to understand RF concepts, and satellite communications are helpful.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time and react to emergencies.
• Ability to work in both a team environment and independently as a pro-active self-starter.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy while understanding broader technical issues.
• Excellent organizational skills such as prioritizing and completing multiple tasks within critical deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including making presentations.
• Python scripting; ability to learn to work with automated systems and related software.
• Possess the ability to work well under pressure.

Security Clearance

No Clearance required

Location

This position is at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.

EEOE, including disability/vets Must be a U.S. Citizen