GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION
The Department of Psychology at San José State University is involved in collaborative research with civil service scientists from the Aerospace Cognitive Engineering Lab (ACE) in the Human Systems Integration Division at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. We seek a Research Associate to collaborate on, support, and oversee safety-critical aeronautics and space automation systems continue to further NASA's research.

The research performed in the ACE Lab follows in the tradition of cognitive engineering and cognitive systems engineering to apply principles from cognitive science, human factors engineering/ergonomics, human-systems integration, human-systems engineering and systems engineering to complex, safety-critical systems. ACE Lab methods and tools focus on helping to clearly define the tasks and associated performance metrics for the automation functions and predict interaction performance based on models of human and system performance. Foundational to the ability of the ACE Lab to successfully conduct its research is a fully functioning, well-maintained, safe, secure, and updated lab infrastructure that includes the systems, software, displays, associated peripherals, and other necessary component layers all working seamlessly and with a high rate of availability.

The ideal candidate for this position would be comfortable supervising a complex laboratory ecosystem and ensuring that it continues to support current and future research. We are seeking someone who is detail oriented, self-motivated, able to work with others, and can propose ACE Lab operational improvements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Oversee the management and maintenance of the ACE Lab's infrastructure, ensuring availability, reliability, and security.
2. Understand the lab's research agenda and map its capabilities and any new technological requirements to research goals.
3. Develop and maintain simulation software for flight training systems.
4. Configure and integrate hardware systems including control loaders, display networks, and cockpit interfaces.
5. Design and prototype cockpit layouts using CAD models and physical mockups.
6. Optimize terrain and visual database performance.
7. Implement and support secure network environments.
8. Write and maintain technical documentation.
9. Other duties as assigned.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS
Reports to the project director. Interacts with SJSURF staff and civil service staff daily.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None, though may be called upon for advice and direction by others.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in software engineering, biomedical engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years working in a NASA research laboratory setting.
• Experience overseeing laboratory systems and equipment.
• Experience with flight simulation development.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required
• Methodical and detail oriented with solid analytical skills and problem-solving ability required.
• Capacity and willingness to adopt new methodologies and skills in line with core responsibilities required.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in culturally and organizationally diverse research teams required.
• Ability to manage and support the technical and operational needs of a scientific laboratory and collaborate cross-organization required.
• Skill in integrating hardware and software to provide custom solutions based on research needs required.
• Knowledge of laboratory system design, interactions, and requirements required.
• Ability to write and maintain technical documentation required.
• Ability to build software and physical mockups for cockpit display required.
• Knowledge of network and IT infrastructure security required.
• Familiarity with NASA's Vertical Motion Simulator is desired.
• Knowledge of scientific experimentation and the various phases therein (experimental design, research methods, data mining & analysis, etc.) desired.
• Work within time constraints and under pressure.

Physical Requirements
• On-site work at NASA Ames Research Center is required. Telework is subject to approval by the manager. Employee must meet security qualifications for entrance to the Center, including an Agency background check.
• Frequent and ongoing use of a computer terminal to conduct a variety of tasks.
• Strength, dexterity, and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis.
• Ability to install and move pieces of equipment: monitors, computers, joysticks, projectors, etc.
• The location is equipped for full accessibility.

NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

Compensation Range:
$85,000 - $95,000 annually, DOQ/E

BENEFITS
The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
• 14 paid federal & state holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information.