Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Spacecraft Flight Controller

Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or relevant experience in spacecraft operations.
  • 2+ years of experience in spacecraft operations, testing, or ground systems.
  • Working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and payloads like power, thermal, propulsion, communications, and guidance.
  • Understanding of spacecraft command and control systems and ground system architecture.
  • Experience in mission planning and command sequence development or a strong ability to learn these skills.
  • Willingness to work in a secure environment and adhere to shift schedules, including weekends.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct real-time spacecraft operations, execute command plans, and monitor telemetry.
  • Create and disseminate shift reports and lead station briefings with antenna personnel.
  • Analyze and respond to off-nominal conditions using established procedures.
  • Collaborate with subsystem experts for issue resolution.
  • Support system-level testing activities, including simulations and rehearsals.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on critical civilian and National Security space missions.
  • Engagement in an environment that encourages collaboration and analytical thinking.
  • Involvement in scientific breakthroughs and contributions to national defense.
  • Access to a modern operations center equipped for advanced space operations.
  • Potential for professional growth through exposure to challenging mission operations.
Full Job Description
Description

Are you an engineer with a passion for supporting scientific discovery and National Defense through spacecraft operations?

Are you searching for important work in spacecraft command and control, spacecraft analysis, planning and scheduling or other space operations areas?

We are seeking a spacecraft flight controller who is ready to be part of exciting civilian and National Security space missions. You'll be joining a team that is at the forefront of mission operations. We strive for an environment of collaboration and analytical thinking in order to deliver on some of the most challenging missions in operation today and in the future. Our missions enable scientific breakthroughs and contribute to the defense of our country. They span the solar system from close-approach solar observatories to platforms beyond the Kuiper Belt.

As a Spacecraft Flight Controller...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to conduct real-time operations to include the execution of command plans, monitoring real-time and post-pass telemetry and conducting other key responsibilities from a modern operations center.
  • You will perform shift duties including creating and disseminating shift reports, conducting station briefings with ground antenna personnel, and coordinating with engineering teams and external partners.
  • You will recognize, analyze and respond to off-nominal conditions using established procedures, and collaborate with subsystem subject matter experts to resolve issues as needed.
  • You will support system- and mission-level testing activities, including simulations, rehearsals, and validation of new capabilities


Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or another relevant technical field; or have equivalent experience in spacecraft operations.
  • Have two or more years of background in spacecraft operations, spacecraft testing, or ground system operations.
  • Have a working understanding of spacecraft subsystems and payloads (e.g., power, thermal, propulsion, communications, attitude control, guidance and navigation).
  • Understand spacecraft command and control systems and basic ground system architecture.
  • Have experience with mission planning and command sequence development, or a strong demonstrated ability to learn these skills.
  • Are willing to work a significant portion of your time in a closed or secure environment, as called for by designated objectives.
  • Are willing to work shift schedules and weekends as required, and to support occasional extended hours for critical mission activities.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have served as a subsystem, payload, or ground system lead on a space-based project.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with analysis platforms like MATLAB, STK, AMMOS products, along with configuration or issue-tracking tools such as GitLab.
  • Have experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python, Ruby, or JAS for analysis, automation, or tool development.
  • Have hands-on experience in planning and scheduling of spacecraft activities.
  • Possess an active Top-Secret clearance or higher.
  • Are familiar with defense-related space systems, collaborators, and operational environments.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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