Flight Operations Engineer- Mid-Level, NASA Support

Pearl River Technologies LLC; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pearl River Technologies is seeking a Mid-Level Engineer in Greenbelt, MD (Hybrid) to support NASA’s Flight Dynamics Facility with flight dynamics, mission operations, and analytics. You will contribute to orbit determination, mission planning, and data-driven problem solving across multiple launch vehicles and spacecraft.

The role requires strong scripting in Python/MATLAB, experience with STK, and the ability to lead or support projects in a fast-paced environment; some travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in flight dynamics or related field.
• Must be eligible to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide flight dynamics and satellite operations support for NASA FDF missions.
• Real-time mission operations planning and anomaly investigation.
• Orbit determination support for ISS and visiting spacecraft.
• Oversee flight dynamics analyses and data handling activities.
• Develop simulations and support software lifecycle tasks.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Data analytics

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree counts as 2 years experience

Tools

Python

MATLAB

STK

Unix/Linux

Job description

Job Location Greenbelt, MD (Hybrid)

Description

PRT is seeking a Mid-Level Engineer to provide flight dynamics and satellite operations support to NASA’s Flight Dynamics Facility (FDF). The FDF provides analysis, mission design, and operational support to multiple launch vehicles (such as the Atlas V, Vulcan, Falcon 9, H3, and New Glenn), human spaceflight missions (such as the International Space Station (ISS), Cygnus, Crew and Cargo Dragon spacecraft, Orion, Soyuz, and the CST-100 Starliner spacecrafts). The facility also performs analysis, mission preparation, and development activities for the upcoming lunar missions comprising NASA’s Artemis program, and other upcoming exploration mission activities.

Reports To

Flight Operations Project Manager

Responsibilities

• Mission operations support including planning, real-time console operations, and anomaly investigation and resolution; mission operations including off-hours and occasional shift work
• Orbit determination support for the ISS and visiting spacecraft
• Launch vehicle and payload support beginning with pre-mission development and continuing through launch and early orbit periods of spaceflight
• Troubleshooting and recovery during fast-paced, real-time mission activities
• Overseeing and conducting flight dynamics-related analyses and data handling; researching and introducing new technologies and/or techniques to the FDF
• Documenting and communicating analysis work via technical conference papers, journal publications, and presentations
• Creating or analyzing simulations/simulated data
• Support software development lifecycle, including requirements definition, acceptance testing, and deployment

Some travel may be required.

Required Skills

• Understanding of orbital mechanics and flight dynamics
• Working knowledge of scripting languages including Python, and/or MATLAB
• Working knowledge of STK
• Data handling and analytics (data analysis, bulk data processing, Monte Carlo, etc.)
• Must have excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Must demonstrate an ability and willingness to multi-task, and be capable of applying innovative ideas to solve problems
• Must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively on a team, and initiative to lead projects to completion

Desired Skills

• Experience with Windows, Linux and UNIX environments
• Experience developing tools in Python and/or Matlab; Intermediate-to-advanced scripting ability demonstrated on large projects
• Experience in a spacecraft operations environment
• Specific experience in flight dynamics, spacecraft communications, or general aerospace engineering
• Working knowledge of the space communication and tracking Networks (preferably NASA’s Space and Direct to Earth Networks)
• Working knowledge of astrodynamics engines such as FreeFlyer, GMAT

Required Experience

5+ years professional experience. A Master’s degree counts as 2 years professional experience.

Required Degree

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related discipline.

Security Clearance Requirements

Must be eligible to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance

About Us

Pearl River Technologies (PRT) is an SBA certified HUBZone small, disadvantaged business (SDB) providing professional, technical, and administrative support services to federal, state and local government agencies. Through our support and commitment to the HUBZone program, we successfully offer our customers the highest quality of service, while creating opportunities and growth for our employees. We are seeking a qualified candidate to fulfill our current Flight Dynamics Engineer opening.

US citizenship required / EEO/AA / E-Verify Participation