Spacecraft Simulations Engineer

This entry-level engineering position, based in Suitland, MD provides simulator engineering support to both the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (Series N).   This position requires excellent engineering knowledge and the capacity to learn and gain skills in space and ground segment engineering, real-time on-orbit operations, spacecraft command/control, telemetry procedure development, data base development/maintenance, space systems communications, software test/command script development, training and operations procedure development. Candidate must possess excellent written, verbal and presentation skills. The candidate will participate in spacecraft integration and test and contribute to the development and verification of command procedures and mission operations plans and procedures. The candidate will participate in the operational validation of the ground segment, including interface tests, end-to-end tests and mission simulations.   The candidate will operate and maintain simulators to perform all spacecraft operations functions. The candidate will perform the following simulator-specific duties:   Setting up, starting and running network and communications modem interfaces. Managing the simulator database and associated simulation files. Maintaining, updating, developing, and documenting the procedures necessary to perform all functions indicated. Maintaining, updating, developing, and documenting operational simulation scenarios. These scenarios define simulation setups that emulate specific ground and spacecraft configurations (used for nominal and contingency operations training). Providing basic maintenance functions for the simulator and resident workstation software. These functions include ensuring that the software is up-to-date, workable and adequately archived. Evaluation of the simulator to generate and maintain a list of deviations and limitations between the simulator and the actual satellite. Compilation of a list of credible satellite level faults to be used for mission readiness activities. Coordination with spacecraft and instrument technical experts on how to create valid scenarios and induce valid faults The candidate will assist ground system engineering activities, as follows:   Support of ground system including: Wallops Command and Data Acquisition (CDA) facility, Fairbanks CDA, Wallops Backup CDA and mission operations control interfaces; telemetry and command systems; and analysis support systems. Assist in the integration, testing and implementation into operations of new or upgraded ground systems. Participate in ground software release regression and parallel operations testing. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities B.S. degree in aerospace engineering with emphasis in spacecraft design and operations. User experience with Window XP/NT and Unix operating systems Software package experience with tools such as MATLAB, PV-WAVE and Microsoft Suite   Highly Desired:   Programming in languages such as C++, Visual basic, Unix Shells, PERL and JAVA Any practical experience with the following activities: o Spacecraft engineering expertise obtained in 3-Axis Stabilized Spacecraft projects o Experience with development and validation of spacecraft operations procedures Work Environment and Physical Demands Work in typical office building during a standard 40-hour week. Occasional deadlines or operational conditions require non-standard hours and longer hours.   EOE www.asrc.com