Job Summary General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Satellite Operator at our Herndon, VA location. The Herndon team provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts mission and program specific real time spacecraft and satellite flight operations during readiness, execution and evaluation phases.
• Develops detailed plans and procedures to provide maximum mission support. Follows technical direction for complex orbit mission support, plans for critical vehicle malfunctions and recommends alternate operating techniques to continue maximum mission support.
• Plans and executes satellite tasking and maintenance, executing and implementing procedures to monitor and control spacecraft and automated ground station.
• Schedules ground system resources.
• Reviews and interprets trended satellite telemetry data, conducting failure analysis of the performance of the orbiting satellites and providing effective solutions as necessary.
• Provides timely response to protect system during an anomaly.
• Records, reports, and analyzes spacecraft mission data, health data, and logs, observing data for anomalies, preparing summaries of data via written tabulations, charts, graphs, and reports as necessary.
• Supports future satellite mission development and operational concept development.
• Creates and updates satellite system operations procedures and documentation.
• Follows direction of Lead Operator. Provides technical assistance to lower level operators in work area.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.


Job Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in computer or electrical engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows: six or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, four or more years of experience with a master’s degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute relevant experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Must possess the ability to develop and communicate new concepts; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas; capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and, lead a team of moderately experienced professional employees on single component projects.
• Significant experience with Satellite Mission planning and on-orbit operations.
• Familiarity with aspects of the satellite system life cycle, including commissioning and operations.
• Familiarity with Python/C/C++ or comparable scripting language is desired.
• Experience with Matlab telemetry processing and analysis is desired. Understanding of the FRACAS/RCCA RCCA (Failure Reporting Analysis & Corrective Action System and Root Cause Corrective Action) processes.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment is essential.
• Able to work extended hours as necessary.
• US Citizenship is required, as is the ability to maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.

Salary:$98,100 - $171,398