Program Systems Engineering Lead

Lynker Corporation; Greenbelt (MD); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Lynker Corporation is seeking a highly experienced Program Systems Engineering Lead to provide senior-level engineering, scientific, and programmatic support to the NOAA LEO Program from architecture to launch and operations. The role is based in Greenbelt, MD with hybrid or on-site work options.

The ideal candidate will bring advanced systems engineering expertise, strong mission science background, and proven ability to coordinate across government and academic partners to deliver robust,

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (or equivalent experience) in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or physical/environmental science, with 15 – 20 years experience related to the above requirements.
• Deep knowledge of satellite systems engineering — orbit/attitude determination, launch and early operations, and configuration management.
• Strong mission science/Earth observation background, translating data effectiveness into operations and customer applications.
• Experience with software engineering standards, metrics, and requirements analysis in a government/aerospace environment.
• Working knowledge of sensor and EDR algorithm management, including calibration and validation.
• Proven ability to serve as technical liaison across multiple organizations (NOAA, NASA, Flight/Ground, science teams).
• Familiarity with direct broadcast services, frequency/spectrum management, and RF spectrum policy.
• Strong project management, technical writing, and briefing/review-board skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess societal/economic benefits of LEO data and prepare value assessment reports of LEO observations.
• Support the LEO Senior Scientist in communicating mission science data effectiveness and customer applications.
• Review LEO system implementation plans, operational concepts, orbit/attitude determination requirements, launch and early operations procedures, and configuration management.
• Support the LEO Chief Systems Engineer with technical documentation, software engineering process/metrics review, requirements analysis, system architecture and concept of operations.
• Coordinate with NOAA/NASA LEO Program and Project Scientists and algorithm science staff to ensure consistency in Program Systems Engineering and science efforts.
• Provide SME on system installation, integration, testing, and transition to operations, and support acquisition planning activities.
• Consult with NOAA stakeholders on strategies to mitigate the sale of RF spectrum targeted for commercial use.
• Serve as liaison among the LEO Program, Flight Project, Ground Segment, STAR Science Team Leads, NESDIS OCS/SAE, and external groups on algorithm/data product performance, system interfaces, and requirements verification.
• Assess sensor performance waivers and anomalies affecting data products; guide Flight Project on sensor test, calibration, and characterization adequacy.
• Contribute to LEO Algorithm Management Project policy/strategy and document algorithms and technical reports.
• Provide project management support for development, verification, calibration, validation, and maintenance of LEO science algorithms and data products.

Job description

Overview

Lynker Corporation is a leading provider of innovative solutions in weather and climate science. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Lynker leverages cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise to support the creation and delivery of improved operational weather forecasts.As part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Systems Eningeering Lead to join our growing team. The preferred candidate will be situated locally in Greenbelt, MD, and able to work either hybrid or on site. This position provides senior-level engineering, scientific, and programmatic support to the NOAA Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Program, working directly with the LEO Senior Scientist and LEO Chief Systems Engineer across systems engineering, mission science, and algorithm management — from architecture and requirements through launch, operations, and transition. This position is contingent upon contract award, and will proceed once the contract is awarded.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Program Systems Eningeering Lead will include the following:

• Assess the societal/economic benefits of LEO data and prepare value assessment reports of LEO observations.
• Support the LEO Senior Scientist in communicating mission science data effectiveness and customer applications, and in bridging the research and operations communities.
• Review LEO system implementation plans, operational concepts, orbit/attitude determination requirements, launch and early operations procedures, and configuration management.
• Support the LEO Chief Systems Engineer with technical documentation, software engineering process/metrics review, requirements analysis, system architecture and concept of operations, and subject matter expertise on operations, direct broadcast, and frequency management.
• Coordinate with NOAA/NASA LEO Program and Project Scientists and algorithm science staff to ensure consistency in Program Systems Engineering (PSE) and science efforts.
• Provide subject matter expertise on system installation, integration, testing, and transition to operations, and support acquisition planning activities.
• Consult with NOAA stakeholders on strategies to mitigate the sale of RF spectrum targeted for commercial use.
• Serve as liaison among the LEO Program, Flight Project, Ground Segment, STAR Science Team Leads, NESDIS OCS/SAE, and external groups on algorithm/data product performance, system interfaces, and requirements verification.
• Assess sensor performance waivers and anomalies affecting data products; guide Flight Project on sensor test, calibration, and characterization adequacy.
• Contribute to LEO Algorithm Management Project policy/strategy and document algorithms and technical reports.
• Provide project management support (schedules, risks, issue resolution) for development, verification, calibration, validation, and maintenance of LEO science algorithms and data products.

Qualifications

The Program Systems Eningeering Lead selected should have the following:

• Advanced degree (or equivalent experience) in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or physical/environmental science, with 15 – 20 years experience related to the above requirements

The Ideal Program Systems Eningeering Lead will have the following:

• Deep knowledge of satellite systems engineering — orbit/attitude determination, launch and early operations, and configuration management.
• Strong mission science/Earth observation background, able to translate data effectiveness into operational and customer applications.
• Experience with software engineering standards, metrics, and requirements analysis in a government/aerospace environment.
• Working knowledge of sensor and Environmental Data Record (EDR) algorithm management, including calibration and validation.
• Proven ability to serve as technical liaison across multiple organizations (NOAA, NASA, Flight/Ground, science teams) and align stakeholder requirements.
• Familiarity with direct broadcast services, frequency/spectrum management, and RF spectrum policy.
• Strong project management, technical writing, and briefing/review-board skills, with excellent written and verbal communication.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.